Vertical Aerospace Signs Strategic MoU to Advance AAM Development in Saudi Arabia

Vertical Aerospace has signed a three‑party Memorandum of Understanding with AHQ Group and the Saudi National Industrial Development Centre, establishing a framework to explore long‑term opportunities for Advanced Air Mobility in the Kingdom. For aerospace readers, the agreement signals growing momentum behind regional eVTOL adoption and the potential emergence of Saudi Arabia as a manufacturing and operational hub for next‑generation aviation technologies.

Partnership Aligned with Vision 2030 and Industrial Expansion

The MoU supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by evaluating pathways for localized manufacturing, commercial eVTOL operations, and potential investment structures. Vertical Aerospace notes that the Kingdom represents one of the most promising emerging markets for AAM, with the potential to support more than 1,000 Valo aircraft across commercial missions.

Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson with executive leadership from AHQ Group and NIDC at the MOU signing in Riyadh.

AHQ Group will contribute industrial and investment expertise, while NIDC will assess opportunities to localize advanced aerospace manufacturing, battery systems, and AAM services. Together, the parties aim to position the Kingdom as a regional center for electric aircraft production and future mobility infrastructure.

Establishing a Scalable AAM Ecosystem

The collaboration will examine how Saudi Arabia can build a sustainable AAM ecosystem capable of supporting high‑volume aircraft production and long‑term operational networks. This includes evaluating incentives, industrial capabilities, and workforce development aligned with the country’s broader diversification strategy.

Vertical Aerospace emphasizes that it is one of the few eVTOL manufacturers actively exploring both in‑country manufacturing and investment opportunities with a ministerial body in the Kingdom, reflecting the scale of the market and the strategic importance of the region.

Valo Aircraft Engineered for Regional Conditions

Vertical’s Valo aircraft is designed to meet the operational demands of hot‑weather, high‑utilization environments common across the Gulf region. Key characteristics include:

  • Range of up to 160 km and cruise speeds of 240 km/h
  • Zero operating emissions
  • High payload capability in extreme heat
  • Operating performance up to 50 degrees Celsius
  • Advanced thermal management systems for reliability and passenger comfort
  • Batteries installed within the fuselage for thermal isolation
  • Certification under UK CAA and EASA requirements

Vertical is also developing a hybrid‑electric variant to support extended missions and additional operational flexibility.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial AAM markets. The company’s Valo aircraft is a piloted, four‑passenger eVTOL platform designed for zero‑emission operations. Vertical partners with leading aerospace suppliers and leverages proprietary battery and propeller technologies to advance safety and performance. The company has approximately 1,500 pre‑orders from customers across four continents and is headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom.

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