Muscat – Oman has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based Odys Aviation to test hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft in the sultanate, marking a first step towards advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in the country.

The agreement, signed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTC), will see Odys Aviation introducing its hybrid-electric aircraft ‘Laila’ in a proof-of-concept programme scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The initiative will involve Omani regulators, Odys Aviation and global partners in the AAM sector to operate hybrid rotorcraft in real-world conditions. It aims to develop infrastructure, operating policies and regulatory frameworks aligned with international civil aviation standards.

Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the programme is a strategic step for Oman’s aviation sector. “Through this programme, Oman is preparing its infrastructure and economy for the future of air mobility while contributing to international standards and shaping the future of advanced aviation at regional and global levels,” he said.

Vincent Frascogna, Vice President at Odys Aviation, said the initiative reflects “a clear desire from a large number of partners” to test the entire AAM ecosystem, not just flight operations. He added that by engaging regulators, operators and technology providers in one integrated programme, Oman will set a new standard for moving advanced air mobility from concept to commercial use.

The pilot programme will test practical applications with economic and social value, including oil and gas pipeline inspections, civil defence and emergency response, search and rescue, medical supply transport, national defence, and logistics such as cargo delivery to remote or offshore sites. It will also assess integration with existing helicopter operations, development of airfield infrastructure and logistical support.

According to the CAA, the programme will provide measurable performance indicators, including successful vertical take-off and landing, variable-range flights and commercial cargo delivery to remote areas, laying the groundwork for future commercial operations.