Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), which works on electric air taxis for passengers, shared today that it signed an MoU with Mukamalah, a Saudi Aramco subsidiary, to bring Joby’s aircraft to Saudi Arabia, where Saudi Aramco runs the biggest corporate aircraft fleet globally.
Today’s MoU between Joby and Mukamalah outlines their collaboration with aviation stakeholders like the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to fast-track Joby’s launch in Saudi Arabia. This will include Mukamalah buying Joby aircraft for their operations.
Selling aircraft directly to business clients like Mukamalah and government partners like the U.S. Department of Defense is a key part of Joby’s strategy, along with operating Joby aircraft directly in key markets like the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, and partnering in other markets.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, said: “Saudi Arabia presents a remarkable opportunity for our technology and the scope and scale of Mukamalah’s operations make them a natural partner for us.
“We’re looking forward to supporting Mukamalah as they introduce emissions-free aircraft to their fleet and we’re excited to explore wider opportunities across the region, in support of the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, which is a pillar of Vision 2030, and their overall goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.”
Mukamalah manages 55 aircraft from various fleets, servicing 13 airports across Saudi Arabia. Nine of these airports are fully run by Mukamalah, which also oversees over 300 helipads, both on land and offshore.
Captain Khalid Alnatour, CEO, Mukamalah, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to achieving the Kingdom’s sustainability goal, we are proud to be working with Joby to explore introducing emissions-free aircraft to our fleet and to the Kingdom.
“Over the past years, we have already invested in a more sustainable future, including taking steps in Sustainable Aviation Fuel testing, supporting the development of hydrogen solutions in the aviation ecosystem, and supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives by delivering sustainable aviation solutions.”
“We are excited to work with Joby and we look forward to furthering our shared goals as we strengthen our partnership and develop further innovative sustainable solutions together.”
A spokesperson for GACA, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, said: “We are proud to be working together with Joby and Mukamalah on the regulatory framework necessary to support the introduction of eVTOL aircraft. These initiatives will help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet its climate goals and steer the nation towards a sustainable future.”
Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph (321 km/h). It provides fast travel with much less noise than helicopters and no emissions. In November 2023, Joby’s aircraft made history as the first air taxi to fly in New York City. This achievement follows other successes like starting production at the Company’s Pilot Production Line in California in June 2023 and delivering the first electric air taxi to the U.S. Department of Defense in September 2023.
Joby is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has secured over $2 billion in funding so far. This includes investments from Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.
About Joby
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit jobyaviation.com.
About Mukamalah
Mukamalah Aviation Company (Mukamalah) provides safe, reliable and trustworthy end to end aviation solutions. Its services include passenger flights, search & rescue missions, cargo, medical evacuation, executive flights, geological surveying, airport management & operations, offshore support & oil spill spraying and MRO. Headquartered in Dammam, Mukamalah operates more than 55 aircraft from different fleets and serves 18 airports throughout Saudi Arabia. It also manages nine airports and over 300 helipads, both on and offshore. To learn more, visit mukamalah.com.
