Joby Aviation Partners with Saudi Conglomerate to Distribute $1B in Electric Aircraft

Joby Aviation is on the brink of a game-changing partnership with Saudi Arabian conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) to distribute up to 200 of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, valued at approximately $1 billion. This deal, currently formalized as a Memorandum of Understanding, could significantly accelerate Joby’s ability to monetize its innovative aircraft in the Middle East, a region ripe for advanced urban air mobility solutions.

Paul Sciarra, Joby’s executive chairman and co-founder of Pinterest, highlighted the importance of this partnership as a strategic approach to scaling sales and operations. By leveraging local distributor partners like ALJ, Joby aims to reduce costs and accelerate market penetration beyond its initial launch markets such as Dubai and the U.S. This model could serve as a blueprint for other eVTOL startups seeking rapid expansion.

ALJ’s deep-rooted relationship with Toyota, a major investor in Joby, and its established infrastructure for sales, pilot training, maintenance, and government connections make it an ideal partner. Since 1955, ALJ has been the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a trusted and capable entity to support Joby’s ambitious rollout plans. Moreover, ALJ’s ties to major Saudi development projects like the Red Sea and AlUla tourism initiatives open doors to key customers.

While the partnership is still in its early stages, insiders expect more concrete details to emerge later this year. Joby’s strategy combines direct operation in some markets with distributor partnerships in others, allowing flexibility and speed. This hybrid approach could redefine how eVTOL companies scale globally, balancing control with local expertise.

This deal also reflects broader trends of increased U.S.-Saudi cooperation in technology and infrastructure, with massive investments flowing between the two nations. As electric aviation gains momentum, partnerships like Joby and ALJ’s could accelerate the adoption of sustainable urban air mobility solutions, transforming transportation landscapes in the Middle East and beyond.

Why This Partnership Matters

The collaboration between Joby Aviation and ALJ is more than a distribution deal; it’s a strategic move to overcome one of the biggest hurdles in the eVTOL industry—scaling operations efficiently. By tapping into ALJ’s existing infrastructure and government relationships, Joby can accelerate pilot training, maintenance, and customer support, which are critical for long-term success in electric aviation.

This approach also highlights the importance of local partnerships in emerging markets. Instead of building from scratch, leveraging established networks can reduce costs and speed up market entry. For Joby, this means not only selling aircraft but ensuring they operate smoothly with trained pilots and reliable maintenance—key factors that can make or break customer confidence.

In essence, Joby’s partnership with ALJ could serve as a model for how eVTOL startups can scale globally by combining innovative technology with strategic local alliances. As urban air mobility moves from concept to reality, such collaborations will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of electric aviation.