Archer Aviation is making significant strides in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it solidifies its partnership in the Abu Dhabi region. The eVTOL developer has announced a new multi-party collaboration agreement with key UAE and Abu Dhabi entities to establish eVTOL air taxi operations in the Middle East. This partnership will make Archer the first eVTOL network to begin commercial air taxi flights in Abu Dhabi, with plans to launch as soon as possible.
This recent development builds upon Archer Aviation’s growing presence in the UAE, starting with an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2023 to enable commercial air taxi services in Abu Dhabi by 2026. Following this, Archer announced a second MoU with Air Chateau, a local private aviation operator, for the purchase of up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, valued at around $500 million.
While Archer has shared plans for expansion to other global regions like India, South Korea, and Los Angeles, the company has shifted its focus back to the UAE. The formal agreement signed today marks a significant milestone in the establishment of commercial air taxi operations in the region.
According to Archer Aviation, the agreement formalizes cooperation between UAE and Abu Dhabi stakeholders in preparation for the launch of initial commercial eVTOL flights. The signing took place under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, in attendance.
With this agreement in place, Archer aims to become the first manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as the first to launch commercial flying taxi operations in the Emirate. Nikhil Goel, Archer’s chief commercial officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the future of eVTOL technology in the UAE.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has been working closely with Archer to establish the necessary regulatory framework for certifying the Midnight aircraft and approving commercial air taxi operations in the UAE. With the support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Archer is working towards getting its eVTOLs certified for commercial flights as soon as possible to ensure a safe and successful launch.
