Initially, the service will operate weekly every Thursday, deploying a B747F aircraft with a capacity of 120 tons. This frequency will double from June onwards, with flights available on Tuesdays and Fridays, utilising the Group's Boeing 767-300BDSF aircraft.This service is key in linking the Gulf with Europe and the US, leveraging Challenge Group’s main hub in Liège. 

Or Zak, chief commercial officer at Challenge Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the new service: "We are thrilled to launch this new scheduled route, which underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers with our expanding Boeing 747 and 767 fleets. This initiative is a natural extension of our successful service between Mumbai and Liège, enhancing our global presence."

Marking the beginning of a partnership that will pioneer sustainable tourism through electric air mobility, this MoU will see Skyports develop a network of vertiports to connect key attractions across Ras Al Khaimah, propelling the Emirate as a destination of the future and aligning with RAKTA’s Strategic Plan 2030.

Under the agreement RAKTA, RAKTDA and Skyports will collaboratively design, develop, and operate Ras Al Khaimah's first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027.

The project will integrate Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure with RAKTA's existing transport network, providing fast and convenient zero-emission transport to Ras Al Khaimah's most popular areas and attractions, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.

ourists and residents visiting these sites will experience substantial time savings from the service. For example, travelling from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais takes approximately 70 minutes by car. The launch of air taxi services will cut the journey time to less than 20 minutes.

The vertiport network will transform transportation in Ras Al Khaimah and support its objective of responsibly driving 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. By providing zero-emission transportation options, the Emirate is reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. These ambitions align with Skyports’ design approach, which prioritises integration with existing public transit networks to promote more sustainable transportation.

Duncan Walker, CEO and founder of Skyports, commented: “We are eager to join forces with the leading transport and tourism organisations in Ras Al Khaimah to launch electric air taxi services in the Emirate. This collaboration further underscores our commitment to providing the essential enabling infrastructure for zero-emission aviation across the UAE. We look forward to contributing our expertise to realise Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious transport and tourism goals.”

Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA added: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionise transportation in Ras Al Khaimah. By introducing electric air mobility, we're not just connecting tourists to our attractions, we're forging a sustainable path forward for our Emirate. This innovative project aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing accessibility while minimising our environmental impact, following our 2030 strategic plan. Together, we're shaping a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah.”

The demo flight was conducted by its autonomous eVTOL craft EH216-S.

Additional uncrewed variants of the EHang aircraft family – including the high-rise firefighting EH126-F and aerial logistics EH126-L – also performed demonstration flights.

Mohamed Al Dhaheri, board member of EHang’s local strategic partner Multi Level Group, took a ride on the two-seat aircraft and said: “Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating. The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and as an Emirati I am proud to be a part of it."

Following the milestone flight, Huazhi Hu, founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, explained his company would now “actively foster collaboration and communication between the GCAA and the Civil Aviation Administration of China to expedite the progress towards commercial flights of [the] pilotless aircraft in the UAE”.

EHang established a strategic partnership in the region with technology-driven freight forwarding service provider Wings Logistics Hub in December 2023, followed by a strategic collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Multi Level Group in April 2024.

The Dubai-based global aircraft brokerage and dealership company is the exclusive authorised dealer for private sales of the Lilium Jet in the UAE, Israel and Cyprus.

Mikhail Alenkin, ArcosJet CEO and Founder, said the UAE today is the world's main hub for innovation, finance, transportation and finding solutions to environmental issues. The current economic conditions, the concentration of HNWIs, the high level of urbanization and, of course, the interest in advanced sustainable technologies are the key drivers for the eVTOL market development in the region.

The favourable climate for the emerging eVTOL market is also supported by the notable movement of society and government towards a more sustainable future in the region.

"ArcosJet sees eVTOLs in general, and the Lilium Jet in particular, as a very effective tool for creating a modern, high-tech and sustainable system of advanced air mobility and last mile transportation in the region. Today, the Lilium Jet is one of the most remarkable and significantly developed programs when it comes to eVTOLs. The technical solutions, scope of work and goals are very impressive and convincing," said Mikhail Alenkin.

The ArcosJet team anticipates that eVTOLs may initially emerge in the UAE as a complement to existing helicopter services, which are currently considered underdeveloped. The Lilium Jet, safe and comfortable by design, is considered one of the most competitive eVTOLs in the advanced air mobility niche.

The company is also investing in developing an ecosystem for the operation and maintenance of helicopters and eVTOLs in the UAE. This will enable ArcosJet to offer its customers a  comprehensive product covering all their needs related to the operation of these revolutionary aircraft.

Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonisation of air travel.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), unveiled the United Arab Emirate’s first operational vertiport for vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) at DRIFTx, an international event showcasing smart, autonomous, and sustainable urban mobility across air, land, and sea. 

The temporary vertiport facility, constructed in line with the latest industry standards and regulations set by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), offers a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s strategy to deliver one of the world’s most advanced sectors for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) by 2026. AD Mobility will regulate the advanced air mobility sector in Abu Dhabi by working in conjunction with the UAE’s GCAA.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, remarked: "Our collaboration with ADIO and AD Mobility underscores our commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving field of advanced air mobility. Events like DRIFTx play a crucial role in accelerating the development of advanced air mobility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By bringing together industry experts, innovators, and stakeholders, DRIFTx facilitates invaluable dialogue and collaboration that propels us toward a future where smart and sustainable urban air transportation is a reality."

The UAE's GCAA initiative in establishing the world's first national regulation on vertiports last year paved the way for advanced air mobility in the UAE, ensuring the availability of safe and suitable infrastructure to accommodate eVTOL aircraft. This bespoke regulation covers design, operations, and certification provisions for vertiports on land and in sea, demonstrating commitment to fostering innovation while prioritising safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape." 

The temporary vertiport facility unveiled at DRIFTx was approved based on these rigorous standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety for operations. By pioneering this regulatory framework, the UAE's GCAA sets an example for regulators worldwide, showcasing a proactive approach to facilitating the safe introduction of emerging technologies.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, director general of Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), added: “The collaboration between ADIO and AD Mobility will see vertiports setup in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including major business hubs and tourism destinations. Once complete, the vertiport network will be a key enabler of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster. Centred in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, it provides state-of-the art facilities and value-add services within an enabling regulatory environment for companies developing advanced technologies across air, land, and sea mobility applications. This is an exciting time for mobility in Abu Dhabi.” 

Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO, said: "Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network will mark a significant milestone in transport innovation and the future of mobility. Our partnership with AD Mobility is pivotal for creating robust infrastructure to make smart and autonomous vehicles a reality and part of everyday life, propelling us towards a more connected and efficient future. The network will create extensive commercial opportunities for transport infrastructure companies, creating economic development alongside technological advancement.”

Joby Aviation, a developer of all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, signed the multilateral MoU with the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, commented on the agreement, saying: "Abu Dhabi aims to spearhead the advancement and implementation of the next era of advanced mobility solutions. Through the Emirate’s SAVI cluster and this visionary partnership with Joby, we are not only laying the foundation for cutting-edge air taxi services but also shaping the future of transportation; igniting a journey where the sky is no longer the limit, but the beginning of endless possibilities. We look forward to seeing their innovative aircrafts take-off from the UAE capital, offering the world a glimpse, through Abu Dhabi, of what the future of mobility looks like.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “The development of an advanced industrial and manufacturing base is a core driver of Abu Dhabi’s ‘economic diversification 2.0’ agenda as outlined by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), which is strengthening the Emirate’s position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub by increasing access to financing, enhancing ease of doing business, and attracting foreign direct investment. Smart and autonomous vehicles in particular are experiencing rapid growth, buoyed by the launch of the SAVI cluster, which leverages Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure to scale the operations of global companies. Joby’s expansion into Abu Dhabi is a testament to the success of this strategy.”

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The MoU aligns seamlessly with our Tourism Strategy 2030, which underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. As part of our focus on infrastructure and mobility, we are collaborating closely with both government and private sectors to harness smart city initiatives and sustainable technologies. Through the adoption of green transportation solutions, we aim to enhance the quality of experiences offered to both our community and visitors. The introduction of scale air taxi services marks a significant addition, enhancing accessibility to natural attractions, tourist hotspots, and architectural landmarks, thereby elevating overall visitor experiences.”

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, said: “Today’s agreement demonstrates the incredible momentum there is behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE. We’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic experience for our future customers in Abu Dhabi and we’re excited to be unlocking the potential for zero-emissions flight between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We’re grateful for the support and collaboration of our governmental partners and the entire ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and we remain deeply impressed by their commitment to building out a world-class aviation ecosystem in the Emirate.”

This agreement accelerates Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year, including in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year.

Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will also ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025. The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer and conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s support, we are poised to continue leading the transformation of urban transportation in the Emirate and across the globe,” said Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein.

“Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally, and ADIO is proud to partner with Archer as one of the world’s most innovative companies. We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.

Lilium is creating the world’s first eVTOL jet and aims to develop zero operating emissions, accessible modes of high-speed, regional transportation.

Honeywell designed sensors, known as “resolvers,” specifically for the needs of the Lilium Jet.

The sensors will play a critical role in accurately sensing the engine’s position, ensuring that the jet can safely reach the exact position required for a successful takeoff.   

Honeywell is an investor in Lilium and supplies many key components for the Lilium Jet, including e-motors for the engines, avionics, onboard thermal management systems, and the flight control computer.  

“Honeywell’s expertise in both the aerospace and sensing industries means that they are able to understand the unique needs of and create tailored  solutions for the Lilium Jet,” said Yves Yemsi, chief operating officer at Lilium. “In rethinking the traditional resolver, Honeywell is playing a key role in turning our concept, a fully-electric jet that takes off and lands vertically, into a reality.”  

The Lilium Jet is powered by 30 electric ducted fan engines, each of which need to move precisely from a vertical to horizontal position to support takeoff and forward movement in the air. This action is controlled by a resolver, traditionally a heavier piece of equipment composed of coils of copper wire and magnetic steel.   

Honeywell, working closely with Lilium, created a customised, solid-state resolver using patented spiral magnet technology and magneto resistive sensors that can determine the position of magnetic objects. The resolver is substantially less expensive and lighter-weight than traditional counterparts. Although specific to the Lilium Jet, this Honeywell-patented technology can be replicated across other types of electric aircraft and will play an important role in furthering the adoption of advanced air mobility.  

“This expansion of the existing partnership between Honeywell and Lilium demonstrates the companies’ ongoing commitment to create solutions for the future of more sustainable transportation,” says Sarah Martin, president of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “A growing number of eVTOLs will be flying above us in the very near future, representing a groundbreaking step in the electrification of air transport. Our sensors, though small, are playing a large part in making these aircraft a reality.”