Saudi Firms Front End & Cluster 2 Sign MOU with EHang to Roll Out Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs) Across the Kingdom

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Saudi Arabian firm Front End Limited Company, Cluster 2 Airports – which operates 22 airports across Saudi Arabia – and EHang (NASDAQ: EH) announced yesterday (Sept 23) that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly deploy and localize Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs) across Saudi Arabia for both passenger and logistics applications, while simultaneously delivering an Urban Traffic Management (UTM) system to integrate AAV operations.

Photo from EHang’s successful June 2024 EH216-S trial flight in partnership with Front End in Mecca, Saudi Arabia courtesy of Integrator Media.

The joint initiatives aim to establish the foundation for a low-altitude economy in Saudi Arabia, according to Zawya.

Per Gulf News, the agreement will see the Saudi Arabia become the first country in the region to move beyond trial phases and deploy fully operational autonomous air mobility solutions.

Commenting on the agreement, Majid Alghaslan, Chairman & CEO of Front End, said (per Zawya): “Front End is proud to lead Saudi Arabia into the era of autonomous aerial mobility. In partnership with Cluster 2 Airports and EHang (NASDAQ: EH), and with the support of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and the Ministry of Transport, we are not only testing concepts but certifying and deploying Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs) across the Kingdom. Together, we are building the foundations for the low-altitude economy, supported by Urban Traffic Management (UTM) systems, unlocking economic value, and positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the world’s most advanced mobility technologies.”

Photo of teams from Front End, Cluster 2 Airports and EHang – which will jointly deploy and localize AAVs for both passenger and logistics applications in Saudi Arabia – courtesy of Front End via Zawya.

The announcement comes after Front End and EHang jointly showcased an unmanned air taxi in Mecca in June 2024.

Per Gulf News, the global low-altitude economy, which includes urban air mobility (UAM), is projected to reach $150 – $200 billion by 2030, with passenger and logistics services accounting for $25 – $30 billion.

According to The Times of India, the MOU outlines local manufacturing and assembly plans in Saudi Arabia, including:

• “Building assembly lines in partnership with EHang to reduce import reliance
• Developing supply chains for batteries, control systems and components
• Training Saudi engineers and pilots to oversee operations and maintenance”