Archer puts Midnight eVTOL to the test in scorching Abu Dhabi
July 3, 2025
Archer Aviation’s electric air taxi has taken to the skies over Abu Dhabi, as progress in the urban air mobility market in the UAE continues to gather pace.
The Midnight aircraft conducted a successful flight at Al Bateen Executive Airport, where its performance in local conditions is being assessed ahead of commercial service.
The test flight, carried out in collaboration with the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), is focused on understanding how the Midnight aircraft handles extreme temperatures, humidity and dust, which are typical of the UAE’s summer climate.
The aim is to validate the aircraft’s readiness for operations in the region.
Senior figures from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi Aviation were present to witness the flight, along with representatives from Archer’s local partners.
“This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
“Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.”
Archer prepares for commercial service
“Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.
“Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the US.”
The flight supports Archer’s Launch Edition programme with Abu Dhabi aviation, aimed at introducing air taxi services in the capital.
Archer’s plans also align with wider regional efforts to advance hybrid heliport infrastructure and scale sustainable transport solutions, with Abu Dhabi positioned as a “first-mover market” for commercial urban air mobility.
