FlyNow, the developer of pilotless electric aircraft for air taxi services, electric aircraft, and emergency response, has officially moved its global headquarters to Riyadh.
The strategic decision, following FlyNow Arabia Ltd.โs acquisition of a majority stake in FlyNow Aviation GmbH in Austria, positions FlyNow as the first Saudi company focused on developing and manufacturing next-generation flying taxis and cargo drones.
As part of this transition, FlyNow will establish Saudi Arabia as the central hub for its future intellectual property development, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and commercialisation.
Introducing the eCopter
FlyNowโs eCopter is a compact, fully electric aircraft designed to fly automatically along predefined routes without a pilot on board. It offers operating costs comparable to a ground taxi ride, produces zero operational emissions, and has a noise level of approximately 55 dB(A), comparable to a dishwasher.
Depending on its configuration, the eCopter can transport up to two passengers or 200 kilograms of cargo, fly up to 50 kilometres at speeds of up to 130 km/h, and support missions including firefighting, medical evacuation, urgent deliveries, and remote operations.
From Austria to Saudi Arabia
Founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 2019, FlyNow developed its eCopter technology and completed an extensive flight-testing programme in Europe.
Now headquartered in Riyadh, the company is entering its next stage of global growth, leveraging its proven European technological foundation to scale operations.
Yvonne Winter, CEO of FlyNow Arabia Ltd., said: โSaudi Arabia is no longer just FlyNowโs first market. It is our home.
We are incredibly grateful for the strong, forward-thinking support we have received from our Saudi partners and regulatory authorities, which has made this possibleโ.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
The transition supports Saudi Vision 2030 by localising advanced aviation technology, developing new industrial capabilities, and creating highly skilled employment opportunities.
By anchoring its intellectual property expansion and future manufacturing activities in Saudi Arabia, the company intends to contribute to the growth of a Saudi-made electric aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdomโs position as a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM).
Preparing for Flight Testing in Riyadh
FlyNow is also preparing to begin eCopter flight testing in Riyadh through the SALAAM.earth Automated Air Mobility sandbox.
The sandbox will bring together the aircraft, vertiports, air traffic management, digital infrastructure, and safety systems required for real-world operations.
The eCopter will be the first aircraft tested within the sandbox. The programme will validate the aircraft, infrastructure, and operational systems needed for the future introduction of automated passenger, cargo, and emergency aviation services in Saudi Arabia.
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