Abu Dhabi Aviation to get first 'Midnight' electric aircraft for 20-minute air taxi trips

27/03/2025 05:36 AST

The Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has signed up to launch the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the UAE and outside.

An agreement has been signed with US firm Archer Aviation to deploy the 'first fleet' of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft globally, starting this year itself. The initiative is part of Archer's 'Launch Edition' program, which was launched from Abu Dhabi in partnership with ADA.

"We are excited to lead the way in launching the region's electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi," said Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation.

Safe launch of air taxis in UAE
The intent is to establish an initial fleet in coordination with UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to 'safely deploy air taxi services in the region.

Rates could be in the range of Dh800-Dh1,500.

The intent is to replace 60-90 minute commutes by car with an estimated 10 to 20 minute air taxi flights 'that are safe, sustainable, and low noise'.

Travel in under 30 minutes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
These services are meant for busy routes such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and which would mean travel times of under 30 minutes.

The Archer Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

ADA and Archer will work to establish a framework that will allow latter to establish a 'pragmatic and repeatable playbook' to deploy Midnight commercially in multiple early -adopter markets.

They also plan to ramp up operational expertise, generate revenue and continue to strengthen long-term demand.

Archer will provide ADA with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial operational lift-off, 'ensuring a safe and efficient deployment'.

Archer also plans to offer an integrated software infrastructure, including a booking application, to support UAM operations.

According to Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of 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.

"Thank you to Abu Dhabi Aviation for being our first Launch Edition customer.

"We have a big year ahead."

UAE makes fast start on air taxis
The UAE has been an early adapter to the possibilities coming from deploying eVTOL aircraft.

"We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years," said Al Hammadi.

"We are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE.

"As a leading force in the aviation industry across the region and the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service."

Dubai's plans
In Dubai, the RTA has an agreement with Joby Aviation, which is also into all-electric aircraft. The plan is to launch air taxi services in the emirate by early 2026.

"If the air taxi operations in the country secure a double-digit market share, that would mean more easing of commuting by roads," said a transport industry analyst. "Along with Etihad Rail, air taxis will significantly transform the possibilities in the UAE's transportation and logistics spaces."

Gulfnews