Flying taxis get a lift as Archer teams up with Jetex for vertiport expansion
Urban air mobility firm Archer Aviation has announced a new partnership with Jetex, the Dubai-headquartered private aviation services group, to support the deployment of electric air taxi services.
Announced at the Paris Air Show, the agreement will initially focus on upgrading Jetex’s facilities in the United Arab Emirates to accommodate Archer’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known as Midnight.
The two companies intend to scale this collaboration across Jetex’s worldwide footprint of 40 terminals in over 30 countries.
The tie-up marks the latest in a series of infrastructure partnerships announced by Archer as it gears up for commercial launch.
The company has a long-term vision of creating a global network of vertiports to support urban and regional eVTOL operations.
‘eVTOL technology is an instrumental part of our industry’
Jetex’s fixed-base operator (FBO) locations are expected to be enhanced to integrate eVTOL services, tailored specifically to meet the operational and passenger needs of Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
These upgrades will align with Jetex’s signature high-end hospitality standards, which are aimed at delivering a seamless and premium travel experience.
Adel Mardini, founder and CEO of Jetex, said: “eVTOL technology is an instrumental part of our industry, designed to transform urban mobility and shape the future of business aviation.
“We are proud to work with our partners at Archer on making this ambitious vision a reality at Jetex Abu Dhabi and our other global destinations.”
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, added: “Building a beautiful, safe and high-performing aircraft is only one aspect of our business.
“To succeed in the UAE and beyond we need to pair Midnight with strategic infrastructure that allows us to operate by delivering a premium experience for our passengers.
“With their wide-ranging global portfolio, and deep expertise with high-end customer service, Jetex is a perfect fit as a partner in Archer’s commercialization strategy.”
Archer hails new AAM alliance
The announcement follows a series of regulatory and commercial milestones for Archer in the Gulf region, including the UAE’s recent design approval of a hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing collaboration with regional aviation providers such as Abu Dhabi Aviation.
Earlier in the week, Archer joined leaders from the FAA and DOT, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting FAA Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, to announce the formation of a five-country alliance to streamline the certification and deployment of eVTOL aircraft globally.
The alliance, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, aims to streamline the certification and validation process for eVTOL aircraft like Midnight, globally.
Goldstein commented: “If you ever wanted to see a bat signal go up into the air and say Advanced Air Mobility is here, eVTOLS will be built, they will be certified and brought around the world, that’s today.”
