Saudi Arabia News

eVTOL Insights

FlyNow moves global headquarters to Riyadh as Saudi Arabia ramps up eVTOL and air-taxi activity

Thomas Sleightholm FlyNow, developer of pilotless electric aircraft aimed at air taxi, logistics and emergency-response use, has officially relocated its global headquarters to Riyadh. The move signals a tighter operational footprint in Saudi Arabia for an eVTOL strategy that targets commercialization-ready applications.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Saudia Cargo expands freight reach via Riyadh Cargo interline and a new Riyadh–Melbourne freighter service

Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo have signed an interline agreement to give freight forwarders and logistics partners broader network access, enhanced routing options, and improved cargo connectivity through Saudi Arabia. In parallel, Saudia Cargo has launched a scheduled Riyadh–Melbourne freighter route to extend its international cargo network.

Aviation Source

High activity

Air India and Saudia sign MoU to expand codeshare and deepen India–Saudi connectivity

Air India and Saudia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to significantly expand their existing codeshare partnership, aimed at strengthening network connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. The deal underscores continued bilateral commercial alignment as both carriers look to capture more passenger traffic on shared routes.

Aviation Source

Air India and Saudia sign MoU to expand strategic cooperation, including codeshare-based commercial aviation links

Air India and Saudia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their commercial aviation relationship. The MoU focuses on expanding strategic cooperation through codeshare agreements, aiming to deepen connectivity between the two carriers’ networks.

Airbus

High activity

THC places firm order for eight more Airbus H145 light twins under 2024 Airbus framework (deliveries 2027–2028)

Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) has signed firm orders for eight additional Airbus H145 light-twin helicopters, with deliveries scheduled for 2027–2028. The order draws from a 2024 Airbus framework agreement covering up to 120 aircraft, extending THC’s rotorcraft fleet growth.

Reuters

High activity

Farnborough day one: Riyadh Air books 34 widebodies, Boeing sees a 150-plus order flurry as Airbus counters

Riyadh Air placed orders for 34 additional widebody aircraft on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, scaling commitments with Airbus and Boeing months after launching scheduled passenger service. Separate reporting pegged Boeing’s opening-day tally at nearly 150 orders, with Airbus countering later, while Pratt & Whitney and British Airways secured the first major deals of the day.

defence-blog.com

US approves up to $1.96B sale of BAE Systems APKWS II guidance sections to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $1.96 billion sale of up to 20,000 BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II guidance sections to Saudi Arabia. The package includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance kits and is intended to strengthen Riyadh’s ability to counter Iranian drones.

Associated Press

Houthi missiles and Saudi airstrikes disrupt Sana’a International Airport, ending Yemen’s four-year truce and blocking an Irania

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis say Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa International Airport, while Saudi officials said the strikes targeted the runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. The exchange follows Houthi missile fire into Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year calm in the kingdom–Houthi conflict.