Today's Edition
A. Sreenivasa Reddy (Abu Dhabi)
Archer Aviation is partnering with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to introduce its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi as part of the company’s Launch Edition.
The partnership aims to bring the UAE’s first electric air taxi service to Abu Dhabi in the second half of this year.
The Midnight aircraft is configured to accommodate a pilot, up to four passengers, and carry-on luggage. “Reaching speeds of up to 241 km/h, Midnight can transform hour-long ground commutes into minutes in the air,” Archer stated in a post on its website.
A press release on Archer Aviation’s website confirmed the launch of this aircraft model and its planned deployment in Abu Dhabi.
Archer’s Launch Edition programme is designed to establish a “structured and repeatable” process for integrating eVTOL aircraft into urban transport networks before obtaining full certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The company describes this programme as a means to refine operations, develop urban air mobility infrastructure, and generate early revenue in “early adopter markets”.
The initiative will include initial flight operations such as pilot training, test flights, and passenger services in preparation for a broader rollout.
Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE. Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service, and we are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s first electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”
Archer will provide ADA with a team of pilots, engineers, and technicians to support the initial phase of operations. The company will also supply backend software and a front-end booking application to facilitate air taxi services.
Archer’s CEO and Founder, Adam Goldstein, said:
“The unveiling of our Launch Edition programme marks the beginning of the next chapter for Archer. This is how we’ll bring Midnight from the manufacturing line to our first customers—and it’s a playbook we’ll run repeatedly as we scale our operations globally.”
The press release notes that the partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between ADA and Archer. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is also supporting the initiative, particularly in funding aircraft deployment.
“Launch Edition markets are forward-thinking countries eager to explore urban air mobility as an option for their most congested cities,” Archer’s CEO told Zag Daily, an American website specialising in sustainable mobility.
ADA will be Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, planning to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year. Archer will collaborate with ADA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and other regional partners to integrate Midnight into local transport systems, the CEO added.
Archer’s vision for Midnight is to transform urban mobility by reducing long commutes. The company asserts that Midnight will replace 60–90-minute car journeys with 10–20-minute flights, offering a low-noise, cost-competitive, and sustainable alternative to road transport.
The UAE has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge aviation technologies, and this partnership signals a major shift towards sustainable, electric-powered transportation.
As the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Aviation is well-positioned to spearhead the region’s urban air mobility revolution. Established in 1976, ADA operates a fleet of 75 aircraft, providing services in oil and gas, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and VIP transport.
Archer stated that the successful deployment of Midnight in Abu Dhabi could serve as a model for wider adoption across the GCC and beyond.
