Saudi Arabia’s Aerial Mobility Vision: NEOM’s Vertiport Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its aerial mobility initiatives, with plans for vertiport infrastructure already underway in NEOM. This ambitious project signals the Kingdom’s commitment to launching flying car services, as highlighted by Skyports CEO Duncan Walker in a recent interview with Arabian Business.

Developing the NEOM Network

Walker shared that Skyports has been collaborating with NEOM for the past couple of years to establish the foundational network for aerial transport. The focus has been on determining optimal locations for vertiports and designing them to enhance the overall customer experience in line with NEOM’s futuristic vision. “We’ve been looking at where you build the network and what the vertiports look and feel like,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of aligning passenger infrastructure with the project’s grand ambitions.

The current efforts are concentrated on two main areas: mapping out an initial network of vertiports and crafting passenger facilities that resonate with NEOM’s innovative ethos. Walker noted, “The opportunity is huge, and you want to get the day-one network right before expanding it.” This meticulous planning is crucial for ensuring a successful launch and future growth.

Broader Interest Across Saudi Arabia

While NEOM is at the forefront of these developments, Walker indicated that interest in aerial mobility is growing throughout Saudi Arabia. He described the Kingdom as a compelling market, drawing parallels with the UAE due to its significant traffic challenges in major cities, rapid growth, and strong focus on technology. “Saudi is a super interesting market,” he remarked, pointing out that the momentum is building quickly. “As soon as things start happening, they’ll happen very fast.”

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already shown its commitment to innovation by backing domestic electric vehicle manufacturers like Lucid and Ceer, and is actively developing a national charging network through EVIQ. Walker noted that PIF is now also expressing genuine interest in advanced air mobility, indicating a cohesive approach to integrating various transportation technologies.

Addressing Urban Congestion

When discussing Riyadh, Walker highlighted the city’s escalating traffic issues. He compared the situation to the congestion faced by routes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, stating, “Riyadh is no different.” This suggests that once the vertiport model is successfully implemented in NEOM, Riyadh could be a prime candidate for future vertiport installations, addressing its urgent need for efficient transport solutions.

Skyports operates on a global scale, specializing in the design, construction, and operation of vertiports in partnership with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturers like Joby Aviation and Archer. The company focuses on creating the essential “last-mile” infrastructure that connects ground transportation to aerial services.

The Middle East’s Unique Advantage

Walker emphasized that the Middle East’s coordinated governance structure provides a significant advantage in advancing aerial mobility. He noted, “The biggest thing this industry needs – and why the Middle East is so good – is coordination between stakeholders.” Effective collaboration among power authorities, security agencies, airspace regulators, and transport authorities is crucial for the successful implementation of aerial transport systems. In regions where this coordination exists, projects can progress without being bogged down by bureaucratic hurdles.

“Saudi has scale and demand that make it an even stronger case than many markets,” Walker concluded, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to innovate in the realm of aerial mobility, the potential for transforming urban transport is becoming increasingly tangible.