Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global leader in the electric air taxi industry as it prepares for the launch of its first commercial air taxi service this year.
In a historic move, Archer Aviation Inc. has signed a significant cooperation agreement with key UAE aviation stakeholders, marking the first steps toward revolutionising air travel in the region.
The agreement, witnessed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, involves a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Airports, Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, and several other prominent local and international organisations. These partners aim to launch the world’s first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Electric Air Taxis
The partnership builds on previous discussions between Archer Aviation Inc. and ADIO to accelerate the commercialisation of air taxis in the UAE. Aimed at establishing the first manufacturer of vertical electric vehicles in the MENA region, this deal follows the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to smart and autonomous systems, as part of the emirate’s broader ambitions to lead in next-gen transportation.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating that the partnership would help solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in smart mobility solutions. “This collaboration represents a major milestone in efforts led by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to advance intelligent transportation,” he added.
Leading innovation
For the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ensuring the safe deployment of electric air taxis is a priority. Director General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi confirmed that regulatory measures are already in place, including workshops at Archer’s headquarters and flight test facilities in November 2024, to ensure that the electric air taxi system is both safe and operational. “The GCAA is committed to ensuring that Archer’s Midnight aircraft operates safely within the UAE,” Al Suwaidi said.
Etihad Aviation Training is also set to play a pivotal role in the preparation for the first commercial air taxi flights. CEO Captain Paolo La Cava noted that the training of pilots for Archer’s air taxis would be critical to ensuring the safe operation of the service, with plans for flights between key hubs such as Zayed International Airport.
Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, said that the partnerships were crucial to realising the air taxi’s potential. “The support from our partners, combined with Abu Dhabi's innovative approach to transport, creates an ideal environment to launch Midnight,” Goel remarked.
As the UAE continues to break new ground in aviation innovation, the launch of commercial electric air taxis in Abu Dhabi will signal the beginning of a new era in sustainable air travel, setting the stage for other cities to follow suit.