Fly Now, a developer of unmanned electric aircraft, has announced plans to establish a major manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia as part of its strategy to localize production and development. Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Winter shared the plan in an interview with Asharq Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Security and History Dialogue 2026 in Riyadh. The announcement follows the company’s relocation of its headquarters to the Saudi capital and reflects continued support from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Local Manufacturing and Early Market Focus
Winter said Fly Now is working to create a mass production facility in the Kingdom and described it as the company’s next major milestone. The expansion follows the acquisition of an Austrian company that now serves as the research, development, and certification arm in Europe. This structure is intended to bring advanced electric aircraft technology into Saudi Arabia while building domestic industrial capabilities.
The company’s initial phase focuses on developing a complete and safe electric aircraft system for cargo services and firefighting operations inside Saudi Arabia. Winter indicated that the pilot phase is expected to last about two years before these services become ready for broader deployment. Fly Now is also targeting air taxi services by 2030, timed to coincide with Expo.
Early Milestones and Commercial Interest
Fly Now has secured letters of intent and memorandums of understanding for the purchase of approximately 700 aircraft across multiple use cases. Winter said the company has begun system engineering and integration work to support the highest safety standards. The company also confirmed that the first aircraft dedicated to firefighting successfully took off inside the Kingdom in partnership with the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Interior.
This milestone reflects Fly Now’s focus on delivering innovative and effective solutions in the emergency response sector. The early commercial interest and operational progress underline the company’s move from concept development toward practical deployment. The planned facility is expected to support these activities as manufacturing capabilities are localized in the Kingdom.
Safety Framework and Certification Pathway
Winter stressed that safety remains the core of Fly Now’s approach, with all models relying on multiple backup systems. These include four battery systems and electric motors, as well as high levels of redundancy in control and sensor systems. The company also integrates its operational platform with local and international air traffic monitoring systems to support pre programmed flight routes and continuous oversight.
To address the absence of original equipment manufacturers for aircraft in Saudi Arabia, Fly Now launched the Plan Zero initiative in Europe. Under this pathway, the company leads design work and obtains certifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. At the same time, it transfers knowledge and localizes production at the planned large scale facility in the Kingdom.
Phased Expansion and Future Outlook
With its headquarters in Riyadh and research and development operations in Europe, Fly Now is prioritizing rapid execution across a phased roadmap. Winter said the company will proceed through testing, logistics, firefighting, and then passenger transport without shortening the safety path. This sequencing is intended to build operational confidence and regulatory maturity over time.
The company’s investments align with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for advanced air mobility solutions. Government support and targeted partnerships are helping transfer global expertise and localize future industries. Fly Now’s expansion signals growing momentum in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop innovative transportation and aviation capabilities.
Fly Now’s plan to establish a manufacturing presence in Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in the localization of electric aircraft development. By combining European certification expertise with a production base in Riyadh, the company aims to introduce cargo, firefighting, and eventually air taxi services. Its phased strategy reflects a deliberate commitment to safety as it prepares for commercial operations by 2030.
Source: Bloomberg Asharq