Abu Dhabi is set to become the first city in the region to operate Archer Aviation’s ‘Midnight’ flying taxi. A partnership agreement was signed between Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and US-based Archer Aviation, making ADA the company’s first global ‘Launch Edition’ customer. The deal includes the supply of Midnight aircraft later this year.
First Operator in the Region
Abu Dhabi Aviation will fund and oversee the deployment of Midnight, marking a major step in the region’s urban air mobility sector. Test flights are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025 to assess the aircraft’s performance in extreme temperatures before the official launch.
Revolutionizing Urban Transport
The Midnight air taxi aims to significantly cut travel time, reducing 60- to 90-minute car commutes to just 10- to 20-minute flights. Designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, the aircraft is built for frequent, short-distance flights with minimal downtime for recharging.
Strategic Vision
ADA Chairman Nader Al Hammadi emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in advancing aviation technology. He stated that the partnership with Archer would help establish a scalable urban air mobility service in the region.
Building Future Air Mobility
Archer and ADA will collaborate on a structured model to deploy Midnight commercially, gaining operational expertise and generating revenue. Archer will also provide trained pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure smooth deployment and operational efficiency.
Digital Integration
Archer plans to support the service with an integrated software platform, including a booking application to streamline operations for urban air mobility.
Global Expansion Plans
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation is a crucial step toward scaling operations worldwide.
