Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, according to a press release issued at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The agreement aims to explore validation of Vertical's Valo aircraft type certification in Saudi Arabia, support the development of regulatory frameworks for electric aircraft operations, and prepare the country's aviation ecosystem for the introduction of eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration also includes an exchange of technical knowledge and certification practices with international aviation authorities.

A separate MoU was signed between Vertical Aerospace and Cluster2 Airports Company, a Saudi airport operator, also at the Farnborough airshow. That agreement establishes a framework to explore, assess, and prepare for eVTOL aircraft operations in Saudi Arabia, including evaluating potential deployment of Vertical aircraft across Cluster2 Airports' network.

Michael Cervenka, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer of Vertical Aerospace, said: "Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its bold vision for the future of aviation and transportation, and we are excited to be a part of this with GACA."

Capt. Sulaiman Saleh Almuhaimedi, EVP for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, said: "By working with Vertical Aerospace, GACA aims to build the regulatory capabilities, certification expertise and operational framework needed to safely introduce Advanced Air Mobility into the Kingdom."

The signing ceremony was attended by Gemma Stevenson, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. Vertical Aerospace is headquartered in Bristol, UK, and holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for its Valo aircraft from customers including American Airlines, Avolon, and Japan Airlines.