Joby Aviation Set to Ink $1B Aircraft Distribution Deal in Saudi Arabia with ALJ
Joby Aviation is making significant moves in the electric air mobility space, with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that could see up to 200 of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft distributed in Saudi Arabia. The agreement, valued at approximately $1 billion, is with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ)—a longtime investor and potential partner with deep roots in the region.
If the deal is finalized, ALJ could become Joby’s largest distributor in Saudi Arabia, marking one of the earliest large-scale distribution agreements in the eVTOL sector.
“People often ask how we plan to monetize our aircraft,” said Paul Sciarra, Joby’s Executive Chairman and Pinterest co-founder. “This deal shows we can scale quickly by collaborating with strong regional partners.”
Why ALJ Is a Strategic Fit
ALJ’s longstanding alliance with Toyota, Joby’s major investor, plays a big role. ALJ has been Toyota’s exclusive Saudi distributor since 1955 and was part of Joby’s $590 million Series C round led by Toyota in 2020.
Beyond financial ties, ALJ offers operational advantages. With existing infrastructure to manage sales, pilot training, support, and maintenance, the company is well-positioned to handle widespread aircraft distribution.
Saudi Vision and Broader Strategy
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push toward futuristic, sustainable technologies, with potential applications in major development projects like The Red Sea Project and AlUla tourism initiatives.
While Saudi Arabia is a key market, Joby’s go-to-market launch will begin in Dubai in 2026, followed by expansion into the U.S. and Japan. The company aims to use this model—partnering with strong local players—to fast-track market entry in less conventional regions.
“We’re expanding the funnel beyond just primary markets. Collaborations like this help us move faster in monetizing new territories,” added Sciarra.
U.S.-Saudi Tech Collaborations on the Rise
This announcement follows a wave of U.S.–Saudi tech cooperation. In May, Saudi firm DataVolt pledged $20 billion toward AI and energy infrastructure in the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. tech leaders like Google, Oracle, and AMD committed $80 billion to bilateral innovation projects.
As global interest in eVTOL grows, Joby’s deal with ALJ could set a precedent for how electric aircraft companies scale internationally—with strategic distribution and local integration at the core.https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sdpal_evtol-futureofflight-aviationinnovation-activity-7260717170144268288-cQTB/
