Neom, a smart and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia, is to deploy air taxis and vertical logistics services in a partnership with German company Volocopter.

The two have have established a joint venture company to design, implement and operate the bespoke public vertical mobility system in Neom.

Air taxis and vertical logistics services will be integrated with the multi-modal and zero-emission public transit system. The JV will be the sole operator of initial public transit routes across Neom, while enabling an open eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) ecosystem for vertical mobility services including logistics, emergency response and tourism.

Neom has ordered 15 Volocopter aircraft to commence initial flight operations within the next two to three years.

“In designing cities and urban infrastructure for the 21st century, mobility is at the centre of the equation,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, chief executive officer of Neom. “Through this joint venture with Volocopter, we are demonstrating to the world that Neom is the ideal region to implement urban air mobility rapidly and create a fully integrated vertical mobility ecosystem. Neom is on a mission to become a global living lab for future mobility, and we are very excited to see what the future holds as we grow.”

The collaboration will lead the design and development of a three-dimensional public transportation system, advancing the technical, regulatory and infrastructure for eVTOL operations across Neom. The JV will offer vertical mobility services as an integral part of Neom’s multi-modal and zero-emissions public mobility system, providing seamless connectivity for passengers and goods.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to partner with Volocopter to make vertical mobility a reality here at Neom,” said Florian Lennert, head of mobility at Neom. “Volocopter is internationally recognised for leading innovation in the eVTOL industry and is a perfect match for our ambitious goals to create the first truly sustainable, shared and seamlessly integrated mobility system in the world. Volocopter’s expertise, experience and vision will allow us to lead the design and implementation of eVTOL operations regionally and globally. I am truly looking forward to jointly revolutionising mobility.”

Volocopter and Neom have agreed an initial order of ten VoloCity passenger and five VoloDrone logistics aircraft to support early activation of flight operations. The JV will scale-up its activities from the beginning of 2022 to incubate urban air mobility (UAM) in the region and seed a vertical mobility ecosystem. The partnership delivers on Neom’s mission to be a global living lab for future mobility and a centre of excellence for eVTOL innovation and industry.

“The partnership with Neom and the new JV we are creating together is going to be an exciting journey,” said Christian Bauer, chief commercial officer at Volocopter. “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be an essential part of designing and operating a completely new UAM ecosystem from the ground up without the constraint of legacy infrastructure or regulation and, as pioneers in the industry, Volocopter is honoured to be the trusted partner to contribute to Neom’s ambitious vision.”

EVTOLs are an essential part of Neom’s mobility mission, enabling transportation of people and goods without extensive surface infrastructure. Vertical mobility services will connect Neom’s core urban development The Line, reimagined industrial city Oxagon and other regional destinations, avoiding intrusive road construction and thus protecting its natural environment.

Neom is implementing in north-west Saudi Arabia a sustainable and seamlessly connected mobility system powered by 100% renewable energy, deploying zero-emission vehicles across all urban and regional mobility modes. It plans to shape the future of mobility by closely integrating smart infrastructure and transit systems with active, shared and autonomous mobility to overcome the adverse legacy of the car-centric city.

Working with a range of partners, Neom has initiated shared electric mobility services, autonomous shuttles, electric boats, personal eVTOLs, delivery drones and solar-powered mobility hubs.

Neom will be the home and workplace to more than a million residents from around the world. It will include hyperconnected, cognitive towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centres, sports and entertainment venues, and tourist destinations.