Archer Inks Deal to Launch All Electric Air Taxi Service in UAE

Archer  and Abu Dhabi Investment Office Announce All-Electric Air Taxi Service Launch in UAE

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Archer, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have joined forces to pave the way for Archer’s all-electric air taxi service to take flight across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The partnership aims to propel the launch of Archer’s all-electric air taxi service in the UAE, with a target start date set for 2026.

The key initiatives outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Archer and ADIO include:

1. Archer’s All-Electric Air Taxi Launch: Archer’s ambitious plan to introduce an all-electric air taxi service throughout the UAE, with operations slated to commence in 2026.

2. ADIO’s Support: ADIO will support Archer’s UAE launch through various incentives and initiatives aimed at facilitating a smooth entry into the UAE market.

3.Engineering Center of Excellence: Archer will establish an Engineering Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to fostering advancements in the growing field of advanced air mobility. This center will also promote collaboration with local manufacturing firms and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers, further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster.

Archer’s efforts to bring electric aviation to the UAE have been met with strong support from various industry leaders in the region, with discussions ongoing to secure more strategic partnerships. The company is set to exhibit its innovative Midnight aircraft at the Dubai Airshow from November 13-17 and at the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF) hosted by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) the following week in Dubai.

In alignment with the strategic vision of this collaboration, Archer is actively engaging with its global manufacturing partner, Stellantis, and local UAE partners to expand its manufacturing capabilities and establish a Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The Center of Excellence will serve as a hub for the development and implementation of next-generation aviation technologies.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the importance of their goal to approve Archer’s air taxi for operation in the UAE, following certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He stated, “Our goal is to approve Archer’s air taxi to fly in the UAE as soon as it is certified by the FAA, and we are very excited to collaborate with them to bring electric air taxis to the country.”

Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Archer’s first international operations in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted the potential for electric aviation to alleviate congestion while contributing to foreign direct investment and job creation in the region over the next decade.

Archer has secured substantial funding, raising over $1.1 billion, with investments from prominent organizations such as Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, Stellantis, and Boeing.

Archer Aviation’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, articulated their excitement about this collaboration, marking the UAE as their first international market outside of the United States. He emphasized the importance of working closely with ADIO and the Department of Economic Development to bring both manufacturing and operational capabilities for their air taxis to the region.

Archer is actively collaborating with industry partners in the UAE to realize their goal of commencing commercial operations in the country by 2026. The company has signed MOUs with Falcon Aviation, who will operate their air taxis across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and GAL-AMMROC, who will provide crucial MRO support for Archer’s eVTOL aircraft.

Archer’s vision is to revolutionize urban travel by replacing lengthy commutes with efficient electric air taxi flights, offering a sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation. The piloted, four-passenger Midnight aircraft is designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between missions. This partnership marks an exciting step toward realizing the dream of all-electric air taxis in the UAE and beyond.

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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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