Tests before launching commercial flying taxi services in the UAE and the region
Archer Aviation announced the successful test flight of its Midnight electric vertical takeoff (VTOL) in Abu Dhabi, a significant step that supports the company’s plans to expand its operations and launch commercial services in the UAE and the wider region.
The Midnight test flight is part of Archer’s preparations for the commercial launch of its air taxi in Abu Dhabi and was supported by the emirate’s Intelligent Autonomous Systems Council. The test flight took off from Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi in the presence of senior officials from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer’s regional partners. The test aims to evaluate the aircraft’s performance and operational capability in climatic conditions characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and dust, to ensure its readiness for commercial operation.
The company plans to expand its pilot program to test its Midnight electric helicopter in the region, with the aim of gathering additional data to support its efforts to obtain the required certifications and expand its commercial operations in the UAE and other key markets.
In this regard, His Excellency Badr Al Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “This test reflects Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking vision to be a global leader in advanced air mobility. Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry Cluster (SAVI), we are enabling leading companies like Archer Aviation to test and certify the operation of innovative and smart vehicles in an environment that supports the adoption of the latest technologies.”
In turn, Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, said: “The initial tests we are conducting in the UAE represent an important step on our path to commercial operation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Testing our aircraft over the summer provides us with important data that is essential to our efforts to obtain the necessary certifications and commercial operation, both here in the UAE and in the United States.”
The pilot flight is part of joint trials between Archer and Abu Dhabi Aviation for flying taxi operations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This announcement represents a significant boost to Archer’s journey towards commercial certification, following its recent regulatory approval for the design of the UAE’s first hybrid helipad at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port, along with its ongoing partnerships with prominent regional operators.
Through its flying taxi testing and operation program, Archer aims to strengthen its presence in leading markets. Abu Dhabi is the first of these markets, reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for advanced air mobility and underscoring the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovation in the transportation sector and developing sustainable mobility solutions.
