Abu Dhabi, UAE — The United States-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Archer is set to make history in the United Arab Emirates by launching the region’s first flying taxi service.
The company announced on Thursday that it plans to commence test flights of its Midnight aircraft in the coming months, targeting the launch of passenger services in Abu Dhabi later this year.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for rapid, back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between journeys.
By reducing commute times between emirates from 60-90 minutes by car to just 10-30 minutes, the aircraft is expected to transform urban mobility in the UAE.
The cost for a trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is anticipated to range between Dh800 and Dh1,500, while shorter trips within Dubai could cost around Dh350.
The launch is part of a broader partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), which has become Archer’s first Launch Edition customer.
An agreement between the two parties was signed this week, establishing a framework for funding the deployment of the Midnight aircraft in the UAE.
In addition to providing the aircraft, Archer plans to offer ADA a comprehensive support package, including a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to ensure a smooth operational start.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The unveiling of our Launch Edition program 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.”
He also extended gratitude to ADA for becoming their first Launch Edition customer, emphasizing the significance of the year ahead.
Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, highlighted the company’s readiness to lead the eVTOL market in the region.
“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,” Al Hammadi said.
To support the launch, Archer and ADA will collaborate on pilot training, flight operations, and community engagement. Archer also plans to provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to streamline urban air mobility services.
Moreover, the company is working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other partners to secure the necessary approvals and ensure compliance with local regulations.
As part of the agreement, Archer will manufacture its Midnight aircraft in the UAE to serve the broader region, further enhancing the country’s position as a hub for advanced mobility solutions.
In addition to Abu Dhabi, the company is eyeing dozens of early adopter markets globally as it works towards obtaining type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Archer’s entry into the UAE market comes amid increasing competition in the eVTOL sector. Joby Aviation, another prominent eVTOL manufacturer, is also collaborating with Dubai authorities to launch flying taxi services.
In January, Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), the UAE’s first commercial vertiport for flying taxis, was inaugurated near Dubai International Airport (DXB).
With the clock ticking towards its first passenger flights, Archer’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s urban air mobility journey, promising a new era of fast, sustainable, and futuristic travel options.