Rival eVTOL aircraft developers Joby and Archer are racing to establish their plans for air taxi services in the UAE. The U.S. companies are both getting support from local regulators to establish early use cases in Dubai and Abu Dhabi while they are still working on FAA type certification for their respective four-passenger vehicles.

UAE defense technology group Edge is to partner in a joint venture with U.S. defense tech company Anduril to develop and produce next-generation Omen autonomous air vehicles. The collaboration announced on November 17 will include the establishment of the Edge-Anduril Production Alliance that will provide sales and sustainment support, as well as producing vehicles aimed at both civil and defense requirements.

Following more than 400 flights of its third-scale demonstrator, Honda is planning to fly its first full-scale eVTOL prototype in March 2026, with the build of the inaugural aircraft expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Japanese automotive group hopes to have an FAA type certificate in hand by the early 2030s.

Regent Craft and the U.S. Marine Corps have completed operational trials to demonstrate how the company’s seaglider can be used for rescue missions. The electric-powered vessel was deployed for medical and casualty evacuation exercises, the Rhode Island-based start-up announced on November 16.

Amphibious aircraft developer Jekta is eyeing the Middle East as the launch region for its upcoming amphibious aircraft. The Switzerland-based company believes its hydrogen-electric PHA-ZE 100 will initially find favor in the area’s luxury tourism segment, a growing use case reflected in a collaboration signed with UAE air charter provider Tahseen Aviation Services.

Vertical Aerospace has begun piloted transition flights with one of its full-scale prototypes for the VX4 eVTOL aircraft it intends to bring to market in 2028. The UK company announced the milestone on November 13, claiming to be the first eVTOL developer to achieve this stage in a flight test campaign under permit to fly oversight from its air safety regulator.

Air freight specialist e-Smart Group has agreed to buy up to 20 of Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric aircraft. The agreement was signed on November 18 at the Dubai Airshow and covers firm orders for 5 of the conventional takeoff and landing models, plus purchase rights for 15 more.

Autocraft and TCabTech say they are set to make the first flight of the full-scale E20+ eVTOL prototype in the UAE in the first quarter of 2026. This follows recent completion of the first full-scale airworthy prototype.