"Civil Aviation" signs memorandum of understanding in advanced air mobility

SPA - Farnborough

Publication date: July 20, 2026 20:57 KSA

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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) signed a memorandum of understanding with Vertical Aerospace, one of the world's leading companies in the field of advanced air mobility, with the aim of contributing to establishing the necessary regulatory and operational foundations to enable the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector in the Kingdom. This took place on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 currently held in the United Kingdom, in the presence of His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.

The Authority was represented in signing the memorandum by the Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation, Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, while Vertical Aerospace was represented by the company's CEO, Stuart Simpson.

This memorandum is a continuation of GACA's efforts to achieve the targets of the Advanced Air Mobility roadmap in the Kingdom. It primarily focuses on joint technical cooperation to certify the type certificate for the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft (Valo) manufactured by the company, and ensure its compliance with the highest safety and environmental sustainability standards approved globally and locally. Additionally, it includes exchanging technical knowledge and best practices related to certification and accreditation with leading international aviation authorities. This signing reflects the Authority's commitment to creating a flexible and stimulating legislative and regulatory environment for adopting the latest innovative aviation technologies and the new generation of environmentally friendly aircraft, contributing to the development of the air transport system in the Kingdom and enhancing its position as a leading global logistics center, in line with the targets of the Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030. Within the exhibition agenda, and in the presence of His Excellency the President of GACA, the Second Airports Cluster Company signed a memorandum of understanding with Vertical Aerospace to enable infrastructure solutions for eVTOL aircraft.