Can a $1 Billion MoU Jumpstart eVTOL in the Middle East?
- Hollocraft Team
- Jun 9
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 21
Joby Aviation is making waves with its latest move: a Memorandum of Understanding with Abdul Latif Jameel, a Saudi conglomerate, to explore electric air taxi distribution in the Kingdom. The deal includes the potential delivery of up to 200 aircraft, and carries an estimated value of $1 billion.
More than just big numbers, this agreement reflects the strategic alignment of eVTOL technology with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals—an ambitious national plan to diversify the economy beyond oil, with mobility and smart infrastructure at the centre.
The MoU outlines everything from localized aircraft distribution to pilot training, maintenance services, and the development of air taxi corridors. It also builds on Abdul Latif Jameel’s prior investment in Joby’s Series C round and its longstanding relationship with Toyota, another major stakeholder in Joby.
Why It Matters
Globalization of UAM: This is a textbook example of how air mobility is becoming a geopolitical play, not just a tech race.
Regional First-Movers: With operations in Dubai slated for 2026, Saudi Arabia could follow quickly—jumping ahead of markets still stalled in regulatory bottlenecks.
Blueprint for Partnerships: The model combines local operational presence with proven aircraft platforms—an approach others may emulate.
For Hollocraft, this raises compelling questions about go-to-market strategy. Do you lead with direct deployment? Or partner with regional giants to accelerate adoption?
We’ll be watching closely as this deal unfolds—and as the global eVTOL chessboard continues to take shape.
Comments