Archer advances Abu Dhabi plans through new partnership
Archer Aviation is one step closer to making its electric dreams in Abu Dhabi a reality, with a newly signed agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials positioning the Californian advanced air mobility company as “the primary eVTOL aircraft manufacturer for the Emirate’s planned electric air taxi operations”.
Archer is hoping its Midnight aircraft will be the first eVTOL to operate in the Emirate, eyeing commercial services in Abu Dhabi as soon as next year. The agreement will also position Archer “to be the first manufacturer of [eVTOL] aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,” claims Archer.
Aiming to formalise co-operation between UAE and Abu Dhabi stakeholders in preparation for the first commercial eVTOL flight, the collaboration draws together a number of parties – outlining the roles and responsibilities of each and “[laying] the foundation for definitive agreements between Archer and the commercial stakeholders”.
The presence at the signing of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Affairs, is indicative of the high-level state support for the initiative; which, if successful, is likely to be among the inaugural commercial eVTOL services launched worldwide.
Director General of the GCAA His Excellency Saif Mohhammed Al Suwaidi reiterated the regulator’s support for launching air taxi operations in the Emirate, commenting: “We are committed to launching electric air taxis safely in the UAE. Today’s consortium announcement showcases the importance of collaboration across the country’s preeminent aviation entities in order to host Archer’s Midnight in the region next year”.
The GCAA’s work with Archer builds on a week-long workshop held in 2024, during which the two parties “worked together to establish the necessary regulatory framework to certify Archer’s Midnight aircraft and approve commercial air taxi operations in the UAE”.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office will now facilitate co-ordination among a variety of Abu Dhabi entities, including Abu Dhabi Airports, Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, the GCAA, Global Air Navigation Services, Global Aerospace Logistics, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
