- FlyNow Prepares to Test Saudi Arabia’s First Electric Air Taxi Following Riyadh HQ Relocation
- The company aims to develop a new generation of autonomous electric air taxis and cargo aircraft, supporting Saudi Arabia’s strategy to localize advanced aviation technologies.
FlyNow, the developer of electric autonomous aircraft for air taxi, logistics, and emergency response services, has officially relocated its global headquarters to Riyadh, following FlyNow Arabia’s acquisition of a majority stake in Austria-based FlyNow Aviation GmbH.
The move positions FlyNow Arabia as the first Saudi company focused on developing and manufacturing the next generation of autonomous electric air taxis and cargo aircraft, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambitions to localize advanced aviation technologies.
Riyadh to Become FlyNow’s Global Innovation Hub
As part of the transition, FlyNow will establish Saudi Arabia as its primary hub for intellectual property development, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and future commercial operations, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to build a globally competitive advanced mobility industry.
eCopter: An Autonomous Electric Air Taxi
At the center of FlyNow’s technology portfolio is the eCopter, a fully electric, autonomous aircraft designed to operate on pre-defined flight routes without an onboard pilot.
The aircraft can carry up to two passengers or 200 kilograms of cargo, fly distances of up to 50 kilometers, and reach speeds of 130 km/h. It operates with zero emissions and generates only 55 dB(A) of noise—comparable to the sound of a household dishwasher—while offering operating costs similar to those of a conventional ground taxi.
The eCopter is designed to support a wide range of applications, including urban air mobility, cargo delivery, emergency medical evacuation, firefighting, urgent logistics, and operations in remote areas.
From Austria to Saudi Arabia
Founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 2019, FlyNow developed its eCopter technology and completed an extensive flight-testing program across Europe.
With its headquarters now in Riyadh, the company is entering a new phase of global expansion, leveraging its proven European technology while scaling operations from Saudi Arabia.
Yvonne Winter, CEO of FlyNow Arabia Ltd., said:
“Saudi Arabia is no longer just FlyNow’s largest market—it is now our home. We are deeply grateful for the strong support and forward-looking vision demonstrated by our partners and regulators, which made this milestone possible.”
Flight Testing to Begin in Riyadh
FlyNow is preparing to launch eCopter flight trials in Riyadh through the SALAAM.earth Autonomous Air Mobility Sandbox.
The testing environment will integrate the aircraft with vertiports, air traffic management systems, digital infrastructure, and operational safety frameworks, enabling real-world validation of autonomous passenger, cargo, and emergency response services.
The eCopter will be the first aircraft to undergo testing within the sandbox, paving the way for the future deployment of autonomous air mobility services across Saudi Arabia.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the localization of advanced aviation technologies, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, creating high-skilled jobs, and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
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