UrbanV, Cluster2 Airports partner to develop AAM infrastructure in Saudi Arabia
Italian vertiport network operator UrbanV and Cluster2 Airports, a subsidiary of MATARAT Holdings which oversees 22 airports across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have entered into a strategic partnership to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) and urban air mobility (UAM) solutions in Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration aims to establish a robust AAM ecosystem within Cluster2’s extensive airport network, preparing the Kingdom for the commercial launch of air taxis.
Strategic collaboration
Under the agreement, both companies will conduct detailed feasibility studies to implement AAM at airports managed by Cluster2.
According to the companies, these studies will ensure compliance with the regulatory framework established by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), while prioritising safety standards and aligning with environmental sustainability objectives.
Furthermore, UrbanV will provide technical expertise, training programmes, and work closely with industry stakeholders to support knowledge transfer.
Additionally, the alliance will launch pilot programmes to assess the operational viability of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
These proof-of-concept initiatives will explore eVTOL applications for emergency medical transport, VIP travel, and cargo logistics.
“At UrbanV, we aim to improve people’s lives by enabling a fast, efficient, safe, and clean alternative to existing transport solutions for people and goods over short distances, by air,” said Carlo Tursi, CEO of UrbanV.
He added, “We have the ambition to become a major global operator of vertiport networks and we will be global pioneers in establishing some of the first AAM routes worldwide. We are excited to partner with Cluster2, a major player in the air management space, and we look forward to exploring together with them the great potential of introducing advanced air mobility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Eng. Ali Masrahi, CEO of Cluster2 Airports, expressed similar enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to sign this partnership, as we seek in such partnerships to have a presence and leadership in finding solutions for (AAM) in addition to creating an integrated ecosystem for our various airports in the Kingdom, while emphasising the application of environmental sustainability in all our airports.”
In June, UrbanV partnered with ICAD Holding LTD to develop vertiport operations and infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Under this agreement, the companies aim to create a comprehensive blueprint for vertiport operations, covering take-off and landing procedures, technology integration, and a strategic plan for managing vertiport networks throughout the region.