In alignment with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy to advance smart aerial mobility, Archer Aviation has successfully completed test flights of its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The flight, conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), marks a significant milestone for Archer’s planned commercial operations in the UAE and wider regional expansion.
Read-Dubai’s aerial taxi services: RTA tests region’s first flight
The demonstration was witnessed by senior officials from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ADIO, the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Abu Dhabi Airports, alongside representatives from Archer’s regional partners, a WAM report conveyed.
Flight testing in UAE conditions
Designed to evaluate Midnight’s performance under UAE-specific environmental conditions—such as high temperatures, humidity, and dust exposure—the test flight enabled Archer to validate operational readiness for future commercial deployment. The testing forms part of a broader programme to certify the aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks in the Middle East.
Following the initial flight, Archer plans to expand its testing campaign in the region. This phase will involve additional data collection and evaluation, supporting the aircraft’s path toward regulatory certification and commercialisation, both in the UAE and other key regional markets.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation, highlighted the importance of the milestone: “Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi. Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the US.”
Supporting the Launch Edition programme
The test flight is part of Archer’s broader Launch Edition commercialisation initiative with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to introduce air taxi services in the capital. This programme reflects Archer’s approach to launching in key early adopter markets and establishing the infrastructure and regulatory groundwork necessary for scaled operations.
The announcement also builds on recent developments, including regulatory design approval for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port. These efforts reinforce Archer’s commitment to advancing next-generation air mobility in partnership with local stakeholders.
Abu Dhabi positioned as launchpad for air mobility
Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, said: “This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility. Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.”
Abu Dhabi’s designation as Archer’s first Launch Edition market highlights the emirate’s leadership in sustainable transport innovation and its commitment to deploying smart mobility technologies across the region.
