Abu Dhabi to Launch First Electric Air Taxi Service in the Region
Abu Dhabi partners with Archer Aviation to introduce the ‘Midnight’ flying taxi, set to begin test flights in 2025.
Abu Dhabi has been announced as the first city in the region to operate the ‘Midnight’ flying taxi developed by US-based Archer Aviation.
The agreement, signed on Thursday by Nader Al Hammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Badr Al Olama, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), marks a significant step in the advancement of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Aviation will act as the first operator of these electric air taxis in the region, having signed a deal to procure Archer's Midnight aircraft, designated as the company's first global 'Launch Edition' customer.
The deployment of Midnight is being funded by Abu Dhabi Aviation, with plans to commence test flights in the summer of 2025. These tests will evaluate the aircraft's performance in extreme temperature conditions typical of the UAE.
The Midnight aircraft is designed to significantly reduce travel times, decreasing typical 60- to 90-minute commutes by car to an estimated 10 to 20 minutes.
It is a piloted, four-passenger vehicle capable of making back-to-back flights with minimal recharge time, indicating a push towards more efficient urban mobility solutions.
In addition to deploying the Midnight aircraft, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Archer Aviation will create a comprehensive operational framework intended to facilitate the rollout of Midnight in various early adopter markets.
This partnership aims not only to generate revenue but also to enhance operational expertise and meet the long-term demand for urban air mobility.
As part of the collaboration, Archer will provide Abu Dhabi Aviation with a skilled team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial phases of operation.
Furthermore, Archer will supply a software infrastructure, including a dedicated booking application, to aid in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that this model will be replicated as they scale operations globally.
The launch of Midnight represents an innovative advancement for urban transport options within the UAE, and positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of eVTOL technology in the region.
The agreement, signed on Thursday by Nader Al Hammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Badr Al Olama, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), marks a significant step in the advancement of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Aviation will act as the first operator of these electric air taxis in the region, having signed a deal to procure Archer's Midnight aircraft, designated as the company's first global 'Launch Edition' customer.
The deployment of Midnight is being funded by Abu Dhabi Aviation, with plans to commence test flights in the summer of 2025. These tests will evaluate the aircraft's performance in extreme temperature conditions typical of the UAE.
The Midnight aircraft is designed to significantly reduce travel times, decreasing typical 60- to 90-minute commutes by car to an estimated 10 to 20 minutes.
It is a piloted, four-passenger vehicle capable of making back-to-back flights with minimal recharge time, indicating a push towards more efficient urban mobility solutions.
In addition to deploying the Midnight aircraft, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Archer Aviation will create a comprehensive operational framework intended to facilitate the rollout of Midnight in various early adopter markets.
This partnership aims not only to generate revenue but also to enhance operational expertise and meet the long-term demand for urban air mobility.
As part of the collaboration, Archer will provide Abu Dhabi Aviation with a skilled team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial phases of operation.
Furthermore, Archer will supply a software infrastructure, including a dedicated booking application, to aid in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that this model will be replicated as they scale operations globally.
The launch of Midnight represents an innovative advancement for urban transport options within the UAE, and positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of eVTOL technology in the region.
Translation:
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