Diriyah: Diriyah Company stated in a press release issued today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with The Helicopter Company (THC) to explore potential opportunities and the integration of advanced air mobility solutions for the Diriyah project. This strategic collaboration supports Diriyah's vision to become the world's premier cultural and tourism destination, targeting 50 million annual visitors by 2030.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the MoU, signed by Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo and THC CEO Capt. Arnaud Martinez, aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting national efforts to diversify the economy and enhance key sectors, including tourism, mobility, and infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable development practices.
The MoU outlines a wide scope of collaboration, including strategic planning and integration, to explore the potential of incorporating urban air mobility (UAM) services within Diriyah's urban framework. It also emphasizes regulatory alignment and leveraging THC's expertise in guiding Diriyah Company as its partner in the establishment of operational, technical, and infrastructural foundations to ensure efficient and compliant implementation of air mobility solutions within the birthplace of the Kingdom.
The release said the MoU highlights the importance of engagement with the air mobility ecosystem, including air transport operators, technology providers, and infrastructure developers, with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. To initiate this collaboration, Diriyah Company and THC will form a joint working group to assess opportunities and evaluate the potential impact of introducing innovative urban air transport services within the Diriyah project. If implemented, these services are expected to play a transformative role in the Kingdom's urban air mobility and tourism sectors, further elevating Diriyah's position as a premier global destination in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
Inzerillo said: 'We are thrilled to partner with THC in this pioneering initiative, which marks a major step toward realizing our vision of Diriyah as a world-class cultural and tourism destination. We believe that introducing innovative urban air mobility services will offer a truly distinctive experience for our visitors and further strengthen Diriyah's presence on the global tourism map.'
Martinez stated: 'We value our partnership with Diriyah Company on this groundbreaking project, which underscores our commitment to share THC's expertise in delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable aviation solutions. We look forward to working closely with Diriyah to create a unique customer journey for the Kingdom's birthplace visitors, achieve the ambitious goals of this MoU, and support the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.'
According to the release, urban air mobility will provide access to a new era of mobility within cities, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity. These solutions align with 'smart city' principles and are expected to revolutionize urban mobility. "Their impact will be particularly significant in major cities and high-profile destinations, with transformative potential for large-scale projects like Diriyah," said the release.