The deal between Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation aims to introduce electric flying taxis to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation in the kingdom.

A Saudi Arabian business conglomerate has announced a collaboration with a pioneering US aviation company in a $1 billion agreement to introduce flying taxis to the Kingdom.

This innovative partnership will see Abdul Latif Jameel joining forces with Joby Aviation to explore a distribution arrangement for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The potential deal, estimated at around $1 billion, could bring up to 200 aircraft to the region in the coming years, signifying a critical advancement in Saudi Arabia’s clean transportation goals.

Flying Taxis in Saudi Arabia

The announcement strengthens the growing economic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with both countries investing substantially in cutting-edge, sustainable infrastructure.

Joby Aviation, renowned for its piloted, all-electric aircraft designed to transport four passengers at speeds reaching 200 mph, stands at the forefront of urban air mobility. With zero operational emissions and notably reduced noise levels, Joby’s aircraft are set to revolutionize short-distance travel.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, stated, "This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world. Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future-we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region."

Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, commented, "Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility-one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this."

He continued, "We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia-a strategic investor in Joby."

Joby’s collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel boasts an extensive presence, network, and substantial operational expertise.

The two companies will collaborate on exploring distribution and sales opportunities, launching local air taxi services, and establishing comprehensive aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well as pilot training.

Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft, designed to carry four passengers at high speeds, offers rapid mobility with minimal noise compared to helicopters and zero operational emissions.

Joby Aviation aims to initiate its first commercial passenger flights in Dubai by 2026, with plans to expand into Saudi Arabia shortly thereafter.

This deal is also part of Abdul Latif Jameel’s broader investment strategy in future mobility. The Jameel family previously invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.