The Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has officially partnered with the US-based Archer Aviation to introduce the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UAE and beyond. This partnership aims to deploy the first fleet of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft globally, with operations expected to commence later this year as part of Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ program.

Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, expressed excitement about this initiative, stating, “We are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.” This partnership emphasizes the commitment to safely implement air taxi services in the region, in close coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The proposed air taxi services are designed for high-demand routes, such as the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, which would reduce travel times to under 30 minutes. The expected fare for these services is projected to range between Dh800 and Dh1,500. Abu Dhabi Aviation and Archer Aviation are collaborating to create a systematic framework that will enable Archer to deploy the Midnight eVTOL commercially in various early adopter markets.

To support the launch, Archer will supply Abu Dhabi Aviation with a team of qualified pilots, technicians, and engineers, ensuring a safe and efficient operational start. Additionally, Archer plans to implement an integrated software infrastructure, including a booking application, to facilitate urban air mobility operations.

The UAE has been proactive in exploring the potential of eVTOL aircraft. Al Hammadi remarked, “We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years” and expressed pride in collaborating with Archer to bring this innovative air mobility solution to the UAE. As the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Aviation is well-positioned to develop a scalable urban air mobility service.