RIYADH: Saudi airports under Cluster2’s management will soon begin feasibility studies to explore the implementation of advanced air mobility solutions. This initiative is part of a new partnership with UrbanV, an Italian vertiport operator. The two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing both advanced air mobility and urban air mobility services within Saudi Arabia. The agreement, signed by Ali Masrahi, CEO of Cluster2, and Carlo Tursi, CEO of UrbanV, focuses on creating an integrated ecosystem for AAM across Cluster2’s network of airports. Beyond feasibility studies, the partnership will establish a framework for the design, development, and management of AAM and UAM solutions. This will ensure compliance with regulations set by the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, as well as safety standards and environmental sustainability goals. UrbanV will contribute its expertise in AAM operations, providing technical training, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with key stakeholders. As part of the collaboration, pilot programs will be launched to test electric vertical take-off and landing services in areas such as medical emergencies, VIP transport, and logistics. These trials will allow the partners to assess the operational feasibility of AAM in real-world conditions. The companies have committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, including the use of zero-emission eVTOL vehicles and the development of environmentally sustainable vertiports. “We are pleased to sign this partnership,” said Masrahi. “Through such collaborations, we aim to lead the way in creating advanced air mobility solutions and building an integrated ecosystem for airports across the Kingdom, while ensuring environmental sustainability at all our facilities.” Tursi shared a similar sentiment, stating, “At UrbanV, we aim to improve people’s lives by enabling a fast, efficient, safe, and clean alternative for short-distance transport solutions for both people and goods by air. We are ambitious to become a global leader in operating vertiport networks and pioneering some of the world’s first AAM routes. We are excited to partner with Cluster2, a key player in airport management, and look forward to exploring the vast potential of introducing advanced air mobility in Saudi Arabia.” Cluster2’s strategic objectives include increasing annual passenger traffic, expanding airport capacity, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa via Saudi Arabia, and increasing the number of international routes in the Kingdom. The company currently manages 22 airports across Saudi Arabia, including AlUla International, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Bahah.