#United States #Saudi Arabia #Washington, D.C. #Advanced Air Mobility #USSBC

USSBC's Groundbreaking Mission to Saudi Arabia

In early February 2025, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) spearheaded a remarkable business development mission, showcasing the potential of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector in Saudi Arabia. The delegation, composed of twelve cutting-edge AAM companies, visited key cities Jeddah and Riyadh, aiming to establish the United States as the premier technology partner in the kingdom's burgeoning aviation landscape.

Objectives and Meetings

The journey, which took place from February 3-6, focused on engaging with influential public and private sector stakeholders within Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. Critical discussions were held with esteemed organizations such as the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), the National Competitiveness Center (NCC), the Ministry of Defense (MoD), and others. The mission aimed to position U.S. innovations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in AAM.

His Excellency Majid Al-Kassabi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, warmly welcomed the delegation, underlining the importance of integrating advanced technologies into the kingdom's aviation strategy. He expressed appreciation for the USSBC’s pivotal role in fostering essential partnerships and investments, emphasizing the potential for long-term collaborations beneficial to both nations.

Innovations on Display

The diverse range of technologies presented during the mission reflects the rapid evolution of the AAM sector. Highlights included:

• - Hybrid Electric Aircraft: Innovations combining electric and traditional propulsion systems to enhance efficiency.
• - Hydrogen-Powered eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing): Emphasizing sustainability and low-emission transport.
• - Counter Drone Systems: Essential for maintaining airspace security and addressing emerging threats.
• - Advanced Weather Analytics: Innovative solutions to assist aircraft in navigating adverse conditions.
• - Vertiport Infrastructure Design: Conceptual designs to accommodate AAM vehicles in urban environments.
• - Autonomous Ground Vehicles: Solutions for efficient runway inspections.

Each of the participating companies demonstrated their innovative approaches, aiming to solve specific challenges within the AAM ecosystem.

The Path Forward

Charles Hallab, President and CEO of the USSBC, articulated the mission's significance beyond mere discussions, stating, "This was about cultivating relationships and driving business opportunities. We showcased top-tier American companies to establish direct connections with key decision-makers in Saudi Arabia, ultimately aligning with the Kingdom’s AAM vision."

The initiative marks the beginning of a promising pathway for future collaborations in the AAM space, contributing to Saudi Arabia's ambition of becoming a regional and global leader.

Participating Companies

The delegation featured stellar companies including:

• - DBT Aero
• - Electra.aero
• - e1Air
• - Fortem Technologies
• - Future Flight Global
• - NEXA Capital Partners
• - NUAIR
• - Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
• - Roboxi
• - Thales USA
• - TruWeather Solutions

In conclusion, the USSBC's commitment to fostering advanced air mobility technologies in Saudi Arabia is set to initiate numerous impactful collaborations. As the country makes strides towards innovative air transportation, the synergy between U.S. innovators and Saudi stakeholders promises to transform the future of aviation in the region.