Air Taxi Service Launch in UAE

author: FutureCar Staff    

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has announced a partnership with ADIO to make Abu Dhabi its first international launch partner. The agreement aims to commence air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi in 2026. As part of this initiative, ADIO will provide incentives for Archer to establish its first international headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi.

During a signing ceremony, ADIO and Archer, along with other aviation industry participants such as Falcon Aviation and GAL-AMMROC, committed to supporting this strategic initiative. Archer is also in discussions with several other industry participants and plans to announce MOUs during upcoming events in Dubai.

Archer is seeking to collaborate with global manufacturing partner Stellantis and local partners in the UAE to expand its aircraft manufacturing capabilities and establish a Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The Center of Excellence will focus on developing and implementing next-generation aviation technologies.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently visited Archer Aviation's global headquarters in California to inspect its Midnight aircraft and learn about its certification progress with the Federal Aviation Administration. The GCAA's goal is to approve Archer's air taxi for flight in the UAE as soon as it is certified by the FAA.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) expressed excitement about hosting Archer's first international operations in Abu Dhabi, stating that bringing electric aviation to the UAE will help alleviate congestion and attract foreign direct investment and job opportunities.

Archer has raised over $1.1 billion in funding, with investments from Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, Stellantis, and Boeing. Archer's Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed enthusiasm for the joint collaboration with the UAE and the potential to make all-electric air taxis a reality in the region.

Archer is working with various industry partners in the UAE to commercialize operations by 2026. The company has signed MOUs with Falcon Aviation, who will operate its air taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and GAL-AMMROC, who will provide MRO support for Archer's eVTOL aircraft.

Archer aims to revolutionize urban travel by offering electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. The company's Midnight aircraft, a piloted, four-passenger aircraft, is designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

FutureCar Staff