Advanced air mobility (AAM) company Eve Air and the Kingdom of Bahrain have signed a new agreement to advance eVTOL development.
The framework agreement will help develop AAM regulation and integration to support scaling the technology.
Johann Bordais, Chief Executive Officer of Eve, said:
Signing this Framework Agreement with the Kingdom of Bahrain represents a historic step in our journey to bring sustainable air mobility to the Middle East.
Bahrain’s vision to become a hub for innovation and clean transportation aligns perfectly with our mission to transform the way people move in cities and regions sustainably. Together, we are building the foundation for safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible eVTOL operations that will connect communities and unlock new economic opportunities.
Bahrain has set 2028 as a possible date for commercial domestic eVTOL services to begin. In the future, it envisions air taxis connecting the Kingdom to international destinations including Jeddah, Dubai, and Istanbul.
His Excellency the Minister Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa added:
The Agreement with Eve Air Mobility, a globally trusted partner in eVTOL aircraft development, demonstrates Bahrain’s firm commitment to establishing the region as a center of excellence for innovation in aviation. Together, we are committed to making safe and sustainable aviation a reality for Bahrain, the GCC region and the world.
Eve gains a sandbox environment to test its aircraft in real-world settings, including possible adaptions for desert ecosystems. This includes UV windows, improved climate control, and operating architecture that can withstand heat and dust.
Bahrain’s new agreement puts it in direct competition with its regional neighbours, including Dubai in the UAE, which has signed an exclusive agreement with Joby Aviation for air taxi development. Leading firm Archer, meanwhile, has advanced partnerships with South Korean and American airlines, as its Midnight model enters final testing ahead of hopeful FAA certification. The eVTOL race is well and truly on.
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