Abdul Latif Jameel, a diversified business network with over 80 years of legacy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a U.S.-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, to explore opportunities for a distribution agreement for Joby’s electric aircraft in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The MoU outlines the potential delivery of up to 200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, along with related services valued at approximately US$1 billion over the coming years.
This partnership builds on the renewed economic collaboration between the Saudi government and the U.S. administration, aimed at driving innovation and transforming transportation. Over the long term, both companies see further revenue potential across the Middle East region.
Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby share a long-term vision to revolutionize the future of mobility through cleaner, safer, more efficient, and more affordable transportation solutions that enhance passenger experience while preserving the environment. Notably, the Jameel family previously invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.
Direct aircraft sales through partners such as Abdul Latif Jameel form a core pillar of Joby’s go-to-market strategy, alongside Joby’s plans to directly operate its aircraft in some markets like the U.S., while partnering for operations in others like Japan.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said:
“This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world. Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future — we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”
Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, commented:
“Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility — one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of Saudi’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”
Initially, the collaboration will focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, robust network, and deep operational expertise. The companies will jointly explore sales and distribution opportunities, the launch of local air taxi services, and the establishment of aftermarket services such as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), along with pilot training.
Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, providing high-speed, low-noise, zero-emission mobility that outperforms conventional helicopters in comfort and sustainability. The company plans to launch its first passenger operations in Dubai, UAE by 2026.
Given the importance of advanced mobility to Saudi Arabia’s urban development strategy, the collaboration aims to drive socio-economic growth, foster employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, and directly support the goals of Vision 2030.
