Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with its plans for Advanced Air Mobility with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) signing an agreement with US-based Archer Aviation. The collaboration aims to develop a regulatory path for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis in the Kingdom. The first routes are expected to connect Riyadh and Jeddah, and service the nation’s giga-projects like Red Sea Global.
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has completed the first phase of its acquisition of control over Hawthorne Airport, a key Los Angeles aviation asset. This initial step involves the acquisition of the master lease and associated subleases, giving the company control of the airport's real estate. Archer plans to use the 80-acre site as the operational hub for its planned L.A. air taxi network, including operations for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Saudi Arabia is aggressively pursuing its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global tourism leader. This ambition is supported by an US$800 billion investment in giga-projects. To propel this growth, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will gather international travel industry professionals in the capital from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Organisers expect over 450 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors. The goal is to stimulate new partnerships and investment.
Sino Jet, Asia-Pacific's leading business aviation company, has announced a strategic partnership with Aranya's lifestyle hotel collective, “ATITHYA – The Art of Hospitality.” The alliance, unveiled in Hong Kong, is designed to create a seamless luxury travel continuum from air to ground for sophisticated travellers. This new integrated model sees Sino Jet become the exclusive charter aviation partner for the hotel collective. The collaboration merges Sino Jet’s global network with ATITHYA’s destination-focused properties.
The UAE has recorded a sharp increase in commercial licences within its tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors, reaching 39,546 by mid-September 2025. Officials say the rise reflects regulatory reforms and new initiatives designed to attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a leading global tourism hub.
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