GACA and Vertical Aerospace Sign MoU on Advanced Air Mobility

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step towards developing its advanced air mobility (AAM) sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vertical Aerospace, a leading global company in the field. The agreement aims to lay the groundwork for the necessary regulatory and operational structures required to foster the growth of AAM within the Kingdom.

Signed on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, the MoU was executed in the presence of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. This collaboration is a key component of GACA's strategy to achieve the objectives outlined in the Kingdom's Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap. It will enable the exchange of crucial technical expertise and best practices related to certification and approvals, drawing upon the experience of international civil aviation authorities.

The signing underscores GACA's commitment to cultivating a flexible and supportive regulatory environment. This framework is designed to encourage the adoption of cutting-edge aviation technologies and the next generation of environmentally friendly aircraft. By doing so, Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its air transport ecosystem and solidify its status as a premier global logistics hub, aligning with the broader goals of the Saudi Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

In a related development, Cluster2 Airports Company also signed an MoU with Vertical Aerospace at the airshow. This separate agreement focuses on supporting infrastructure solutions specifically for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, further demonstrating the Kingdom's comprehensive approach to advancing its capabilities in the future of air travel.