The UAE is all set to launch air taxi services. Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services is working on the prototype, targeting January 1, 2026, as the tentative timeline to see this come alive.
It was in March this year, that US-based electric aircraft maker Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation, a UAE aviation services operator, signed an agreement to develop vertiport infrastructure at key locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The areas selected for the development are Atlantis The Palm in Dubai and the Marina Mall heliport on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
What can passengers expect from this development?
With a flight time of just 30 minutes from take-off to landing, Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation will take passengers on a journey over the water, offering a stunning view of the region’s picturesque landscapes.
When is it set to kick off?
While the tentative launch date is slated for 2026, Ramandeep Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Aviation, mentioned that trials of Archer’s flying car, Midnight, will begin in May 2025 in Al Ain for 3-4 months before moving to Abu Dhabi. The trials will not take place in hot and dusty conditions and the aircraft is currently being tested in California, reports Khaleej Times.
This advancement looks at tackling the growing road traffic congestion in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition to these two emirates, there are plans to establish a market connecting Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah as well.
While negotiations are still ongoing, the tentative fare is expected to be AED1,000 per passenger for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route.
