Saudi budget airline flynas has signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazil-based Eve Air Mobility to explore the possibility of starting electric helicopter operations in the Kingdom.
Under the deal, both parties will examine the potential of the future of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations in the Kingdom in a sustainable manner.
The statement further noted that the possible launch of electric helicopters in Riyadh and Jeddah will happen by 2026.
Bander Al-Mohanna, CEO of flynas, said that the deal is part of the air carrier’s ongoing efforts to advance technology in the field of aviation to ensure a sustainable future, aligned with the net-zero goals outlined by the Kingdom.
He said: “We are pleased to explore the sustainable solutions with Eve Air Mobility as a pioneering company in this field, in line with flynas’ strategy to adopt initiatives with sustainable impact on the environment, society, and economy in parallel with the national goals to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.”
The statement added that this deal will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry by building and supporting the future local ecosystem for electric flights, while also contributing to Vision 2030 sustainability goals and the ambitious targets in the sector.
“This partnership represents not only a milestone in our shared vision for sustainable air travel but also a commitment to shaping a more efficient, eco-friendly and accessible transportation landscape,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air.
He added: “We look forward to embarking on this groundbreaking journey with flynas as we join forces to advance the future of air mobility in Saudi Arabia.”
Earlier this month, flynas became an affiliate member of the UN World Tourism Organization. With this achievement, the air carrier became the first Saudi airline and the first low-cost airline in the Middle East to join the organization.
It also tied up with the UN Global Compact initiative in August, becoming the first low-cost airline in the Middle East to join the largest corporate sustainability project in the world.