Archer Aviation, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle company, is poised to launch air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi by 2026. This move marks Archer's foray into international markets, extending beyond its American base.
The company's expansion plans include establishing an air taxi service throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Abu Dhabi: Archer Aviation's Launch Site
Archer's strategic partnership with ADIO was formalized in a recent signing ceremony, signaling a collaborative effort to position Abu Dhabi as the launch site for the company's international operations.
ADIO intends to provide incentives to support Archer in establishing its inaugural international headquarters and manufacturing facilities within Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is keen on expediting the approval process for Archer's air taxi to operate in the UAE, contingent on the FAA's certification.
This underscores the UAE's commitment to embracing electric air taxis, a mode of transport with zero emissions, offering an effective solution to congestion.
The collaboration with Archer is anticipated to result in substantial foreign direct investment and the creation of thousands of jobs in the region over the next decade.
Archer Aviation has secured over $1.1 billion in funding, with investments from key stakeholders such as Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, Stellantis, and Boeing.
The company's Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed enthusiasm about this joint initiative with the UAE, heralding it as a significant step towards establishing international operations.
"Archer plans to partner closely with ADIO and the Department of Economic Development to bring manufacturing and operations for our air taxis to the region. Together, we are positioned to be a driving force in making all-electric air taxis a reality in the skies of the UAE and beyond in the coming years," Goldstein said in a press statement.
Stellantis is a pivotal partner in Archer's pursuit of high-volume manufacturing for the Midnight aircraft. The collaboration aims to lay the foundation for future Archer manufacturing facilities, with a particular focus on the Middle East.
Archer Aviation's Partnerships in UAE
Archer has also forged partnerships with industry leaders in the UAE to advance its commercialization plans. Agreements have been inked with Falcon Aviation, which will oversee air taxi operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and GAL-AMMROC, set to provide vital maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Archer's eVTOL aircraft.
Archer's ultimate vision is to transform urban transportation, replacing lengthy car commutes with electric air taxis. This transition promises faster, more efficient travel, with estimated flight durations of 10-20 minutes, ensuring a sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation.
The Midnight aircraft, a piloted model designed for rapid consecutive flights, is central to achieving this vision. As Archer prepares to showcase its Midnight aircraft at the Dubai Air Show, the company remains poised to shape the future of urban air mobility in the UAE and beyond.
