Doroni is looking to localize manufacturing for the H1-X personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—its “go-to-market” vehicle—in Saudi Arabia. [Courtesy: Doroni Aerospace]
Key Takeaways:
Doroni Aerospace has secured agreements worth up to $180 million from Saudi Arabian firm Kingdom Aero Industries to advance production of its H1-X personal eVTOL aircraft.
The funding will support manufacturing for the Middle East market, including a planned production site in Saudi Arabia, though the primary manufacturing base will remain in the U.S.
The H1-X is an intuitively controlled, two-person eVTOL designed for personal and recreational use, aiming for certification under the FAA's light-sport aircraft rules.
Unlike some competitors, the H1-X is not intended to be roadable, focusing solely on flight capabilities from airfields or private property.
Updated March 14, 9:10 a.m. EST: Doroni’s initial agreement with Kingdom Aero, worth up to $30 million, has been signed and is no longer an MOU.
The developer of an aircraft that it describes as “so intuitive that a 4-year-old could fly it” is close to securing a major investment that could jumpstart production.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
