Archer Aviation has signed a multi-party collaboration agreement with key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and the UAE to advance the region’s first commercial electric air taxi operations. The agreement formalizes plans for the launch of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flights in the emirate, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in next-generation urban mobility.
Strategic Signatories and Visionary Leadership
The signing, overseen by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, is under the auspices of Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC). It involves prominent Abu Dhabi entities, including:
- Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Airports)
- Falcon Aviation Services
- Etihad Aviation Training
- General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
- Global Air Navigation Services (GANS)
- Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL)
- Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
The collaboration aims to create a robust ecosystem supporting eVTOL operations, with Archer Aviation emerging as the first MENA-based vertical electric vehicle manufacturer.
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility
Abu Dhabi’s ambition to revolutionize transportation is bolstered by:
- The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): Facilitating coordination among stakeholders to prepare for commercial operations.
- The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA): Collaborating with Archer to establish the regulatory framework for the safe deployment of air taxis, including Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, highlighted the partnership as a “major milestone in advancing smart mobility solutions,” reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for autonomous vehicles.
Industry Leaders Highlight Partnership Significance
- Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA: Emphasized the importance of safety and regulatory collaboration to ensure seamless integration of air taxis into the UAE’s airspace.
- Elena Sorlini, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Airports: Lauded the initiative as a “significant step towards sustainable urban mobility,” aligning with the emirate’s vision for innovation.
- Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer, Archer Aviation: Stated, “The UAE’s forward-thinking approach creates the ideal environment for launching Midnight and redefining urban connectivity.”
Regulatory Advances and Future Prospects
In November 2024, the GCAA conducted a workshop at Archer’s headquarters and flight test facility, focusing on certifying the Midnight aircraft and establishing the regulatory framework for its operation. The consortium’s efforts pave the way for Abu Dhabi to host Archer’s eVTOL services, anticipated to begin in 2025.
