A Multi-Billion Dollar Advanced Air Mobility Opportunity for America's AAM Industry


The U.S-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) in collaboration with NEXA Capital Partners LLC and NUAIR invite forward-thinking U.S. aerospace and defense companies to join an exclusive business development delegation to Saudi Arabia on February 3-6, 2025 to take advantage of a unique opportunity to shape the future of global air mobility in the MENA region's largest economy.


The Organizers

Established over 30 years ago, the USSBC has deep ties with both the public and private sector leaders across industries in Saudi Arabia. The Council is the only non-government entity dedicated solely to the advancement of the U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship. (www.ussaudi.org​)


As key architects of Saudi Arabia's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) blueprint—developed for the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi equivalent of the FAA—NEXA and NUAIR have been directly supporting the Kingdom's efforts to establish a transformative air mobility ecosystem, including eVTOL technologies and critical infrastructure.


The Opportunity

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the country's ambitious national development plan, seeks to diversify its economy by investing in high tech, sustainable and future-oriented industries with advanced air mobility playing a pivotal role. The Kingdom has launched a national priority program to develop an Advanced Air Mobility sector, with the expressed goal of becoming the predominant leader of this new industry in the Middle East. The Kingdom is also hosting the World Expo in Riyadh 2030 (https://riyahdexpo2030.sa/​), which places urgency on a fast-track implementation of AAM capabilities to showcase futuristic transportation systems to a global audience.


This is a multi-billion-dollar initiative and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position the U.S. industry at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious mobility projects. The Kingdom is a close U.S. ally and American companies can be at the heart of this groundbreaking endeavor—as leading developers, manufacturers, and technology innovators.


The market is already on the move. In July, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Lilium, a German developer of fully eVTOL entered into an agreement to purchase 50 Lilium jets, with an option for an additional 50 aircraft. In May, U.S.-based Joby Aviation signed an MOU with Mukamalah Aviation Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the operator of the world's largest fleet of corporate aircraft, to introduce Joby's eVTOL to Saudi Arabia. NEOM, the Kingdom's flagship giga project, has already launched a joint venture with eVTOL company Volocopter of Germany in 2021 and invested $175 million in the company in 2022. There are more.


The strong governmental backing and high market potential is drawing attention from Asian competitors as well as European. However, U.S. companies hold a strategic edge: investment by the industry on all facets of AAM, from OEM vehicle development to weather systems and low altitude ATC, to regulatory depth under FAA focus. Leveraging NEXA's and NUAIR's proven leadership in Saudi Arabia's infrastructure finance, AAM planning, and airspace design, and the USSBC's deep ties with the Saudi business community and key government ministries and regulatory bodies, we are seeking to position U.S. suppliers as preferred partners.


By joining this mission, you will gain key insight and direct access to decision-makers in Saudi Arabia, with the potential to showcase your cutting-edge solutions for AAM, eVTOLs, and technologies that will redefine global mobility.


Who Should Join the Trade Mission

Do not miss this golden opportunity to outshine global competitors and expand your U.S. business into one of the world's fastest-growing aerospace sectors—AAM. Companies and professionals from these 12 sectors and closely related sectors are encouraged to participate in this transformative trade mission:


  • eVTOL Manufacturing
  • Advanced Avionics and Sensors
  • Part 135 Flight Operations
  • Vertiport Design and Construction
  • Advanced Weather Systems
  • Low Altitude Radar Systems
  • Hydrogen and Battery Systems
  • FAA and EASA Regulation
  • Resilient Communications
  • Airspace Design/Integration
  • Civil Engineering and Design
  • Infrastructure Finance



Proposed Mission Timetable and Itinerary


Dec 18: Pre-Mission Informational Webinar on AAM in Saudi Arabia​

Dec 27: Deadline to register to participate

Feb 2: Deadline for mission participants to arrive in Jeddah


Jeddah: Feb 3-4


Feb 3:

Morning: Welcome breakfast and mission briefing

Group meeting with aviation sector stakeholder organization

Afternoon: Individual schedule of 1-on-1meetings


Feb 4:

Morning: Visit to Jeddah Airport

Afternoon: Travel to Riyadh


Riyadh: Feb 5-6


Feb 5:

Morning/ Afternoon: Group meetings with aviation sector stakeholder organizations

Evening: Networking reception with USSBC members


Feb 6:

Morning: Group meetings with aviation sector stakeholder organizations

Afternoon: Individual schedule of 1-on-1 meetings

Mission ends: Departure recommended for the 7th


* The final schedule of group meetings/briefings will depend on the availability of the Saudi authorities and officials and the specific goals of mission participants.


Mission Deliverables

  • Group meetings/briefings with high level officials of organizations guiding the transformation of the Saudi aviation sector such as GACA, Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), the Public Investment Fund (Saudi's sovereign wealth fund), and Matarat (charged with facilitating and overseeing the development of Saudi airports), among others.
  • One-on-one meetings with potential Saudi strategic partners, clients and end users in Jeddah and Riyadh.
  • Customized mission briefing on Saudi legal and commercial regulatory environment, business practices, and air mobility sector overview.
  • Networking opportunities with USSBC's U.S. and Saudi members providing invaluable information and insights on navigating the Saudi market.
  • On-site access to NEXA, NUAIR, and USSBC senior leadership for support and guidance throughout the mission.
  • Media coverage through USSBC's local and national media contacts in Saudi Arabia.


In-Person Mission Fees

  • $4500/1st person (Non-member of USSBC)
  • $2500/2nd person (Non-member of USSBC)
  • $3500/1st person (USSBC member)
  • $2000/2nd person (USSBC member)


Expenses for air travel, lodging, incidentals, and meals are separate and will be the responsibility of each participant. Transportation to and from group meetings is included in the mission fee.



Pre-Mission Informational Webinar


Join us for a Pre-Mission Informational Webinar on December 18, 2024 at 11:00 am EST.


The webinar will discuss:


  1. The National Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap developed by an international management consulting consortium comprising AT Kearney, NEXA Capital, and NUAIR for the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia and delivered in 2024. The Project objectives are to:
  • Ensure KSA's leading regional position in commercial advanced air mobility (AAM) operations
  • Secure a world-class eVTOL and drone industry, infrastructure, and operator services to serve AAM demand between 2025 and 2050
  • Promote manufacturing of AAM aircraft, needed systems, and services in the Kingdom
  • Develop required human resource capabilities for the AAM sector to thrive


  1. The In-person business development mission co-organized by the U.S.-Saudi Business Council and NEXA Capital


Speakers:


Michael Dyment, Managing Partner, NEXA Capital

Ana Carmen Neboisa, Vice President, US-Saudi Business Council


If you're considering joining the mission but want more details, this session is for you. REGISTER NOW​



Application Deadline: December 27, 2024


Time is of the essence. Secure your spot on this transformative mission today! Questions about the mission may be addressed to:


Application Acceptance Policy: The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) reserves the right to decline an application from any company whose participation is deemed inappropriate to the interests of the Business Council, or the mission objectives. Companies may also not be accepted if the Business Council concludes that Saudi Arabia is not a viable market for the company's products or services.


Space for the mission is limited and will be reserved on a first come-first served basis.


Payment Policy:


The participation fee for the mission is $3,500 per person for USSBC members and $4,500 per person for non-members for one company representative; $2000 for second mission USSBC member participant and $2,500 for second mission non-member participant. Payment will be due after an application has been accepted by the Council and after the Council and each applicant company has had a brief call to clarify any outstanding questions from the application and the Council has reviewed the mission deliverables in more detail with each firm. At that point, the Council will forward bank wire and credit card payment information. Payment should be made within 10 days of that information receipt.


Expenses for travel, lodging, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.


Cancellation Policy: If an accepted applicant must cancel for any reason, their application fee will be refunded up to 30 days prior to the beginning of the mission. Any and all transportation, hotel, and other fees that would have been for the applicant's direct account will also be payable by the participating company if cancellation occurs. Most notably, this may occur if the applicant has booked a room in a room block being held under the name of the USSBC. Please note the cancellation policies for individual hotels will vary.


Additionally, the USSBC reserves the right to cancel this business development mission, with full refund, if there is insufficient enrollment by companies by the enrollment deadline.

Contact us

If you have any questions please contact Ana Neboisa at anacarmen@ussaudi.org.