Odys Aviation, a specialized air taxi company based in California, is set to establish a manufacturing facility in the UAE as the country aims to become a hub for the emerging air taxi industry.
The UAE Ministry of Economy has announced that Odys Aviation will be joining its NextGen FDI program, which supports innovative businesses in high-potential sectors to establish and expand their operations in the UAE market.
Odys Aviation focuses on developing hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for regional and short-haul air taxi routes. These aircraft are designed to transport passengers, cargo, and provide emergency services. With an all-electric propulsion range of 320km and a hybrid-electric range of over 1,200km, these air taxis have the potential to reduce carbon emissions on pan-GCC air travel by up to 76%, offering a zero-carbon travel alternative within the country.
The company plans to unveil a full-scale prototype in 2025, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2027. The establishment of the manufacturing facility in the UAE will create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to the growth of the local aerospace industry. It will also mark the export of the first aircraft certified under the “Made in the UAE” label.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted that the partnership with Odys Aviation represents an important step in the UAE’s journey towards establishing a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.
The UAE’s investment in the air taxi industry reflects its commitment to embracing sustainable transportation solutions and positioning itself as a global leader in the future of urban air mobility.
