The agreement aims to introduce air taxis to the emirate by 2027
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with London-headquartered firm Skyports Infrastructure to develop an air taxi network in the emirate.
The entities agreed to design, develop and operate the emirate’s first electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi ecosystem.
Skyports will also develop a network of vertiports to connect the key attractions across Ras Al Khaimah, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, RAK International airport and Jebel Jais.
The commercial operations are scheduled to begin by 2027.
According to an official statement, the agreement supports the emirate’s objective of hosting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Similar agreements in the UAE
This is the second significant air taxi deal signed recently in the UAE. In April, Abu Dhabi signed deals with two entities to develop air taxi services in the emirate. The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Driftx event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The first deal was signed between US-headquartered Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio). The framework agreement includes constructing a vertiport,operational enablement for air taxi operations in the country and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
The other memorandum of understanding was signed between another US-based firm, Joby Aviation, and Abu Dhabi entities, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Culture and Tourism.
The framework agreement covers the development of a full air taxi ecosystem, including training, infrastructure development and flight operation, as well as a manufacturing presence in Abu Dhabi.
Source: meed