Abu Dhabi, UAE – Abu Dhabi is set to revolutionize urban mobility by becoming the first city in the region to introduce electric air taxis, following a landmark agreement with US-based Archer Aviation.
The deal, announced on Thursday, will see Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) deploy Archer’s ‘Midnight’ electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, making the UAE capital a pioneer in sustainable aerial transportation.
Under the agreement, ADA has become Archer’s first global ‘Launch Edition’ customer, securing the supply of Midnight aircraft later this year.
The announcement was formalized through a signing ceremony attended by Nader Al Hammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Badr Al Olama, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
“Abu Dhabi Aviation has been observing advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE,” said Al Hammadi.
“As a leading force in the aviation industry and the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East, ADA has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service. We are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s first electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”
Test Flights Set for 2025
ADA has announced that it will fund the deployment of Midnight, with test flights scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025.
These tests will specifically assess the impact of the region’s extreme temperatures on the aircraft’s performance and passenger experience before the official launch of air taxi services in Abu Dhabi.
Midnight is designed to significantly reduce commute times. According to Archer Aviation, a journey that would typically take 60 to 90 minutes by car could be shortened to just 10 to 20 minutes with the electric air taxi.
The aircraft is piloted and can accommodate up to four passengers. It is also designed to perform consecutive flights with minimal charging time between trips, ensuring efficiency in urban air mobility services.
Building the Future of Urban Air Mobility
Beyond its initial deployment, Archer and ADA plan to develop a repeatable and scalable operational model for Midnight’s commercial use in other early adopter markets.
The partnership includes establishing operational expertise, generating revenue, and strengthening long-term demand for electric air taxis in the UAE and beyond.
To ensure a smooth rollout, Archer will provide ADA with a dedicated team of experienced pilots, engineers, and technicians.
The US-based company will also offer an integrated software infrastructure, including a booking application, to support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations in Abu Dhabi.
“This is how we’ll bring Midnight from the manufacturing line to our first customers — and it’s a playbook we’ll run repeatedly as we scale our operations globally,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer.
“We have a big year ahead, and we’re thrilled to partner with Abu Dhabi Aviation as our first Launch Edition customer.”
With this strategic partnership, Abu Dhabi positions itself as a leader in the future of urban transportation, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the aviation sector.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members