Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) will be the first customer of Archer Aviation's 'launch edition' commercialisation programme for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft Midnight.
ADA plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year.
Archer said in a statement: “The goal of the programme is to establish a pragmatic and repeatable commercialisation playbook to deploy Midnight in dozens of early adopter markets in advance of type certification of the aircraft by the FAA.”
ADA and Archer will collaborate to bring passenger flight on the Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi this year, as well as working together across pilot training, flight operations, and community engagement. Archer also plans to provide ADA with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial operation ramp, as well as backend software infrastructure and front-end booking application to help power urban air mobility operations.
“We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE,” said Abu Dhabi Aviation chairman Nader AL Hammadi. “Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service and we are excited to lead the way in launching the region's first electric air taxi service."
Founder and CEO of Archer Adam Goldstein added: “The unveiling of our launch edition programme marks the beginning of the next chapter for 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."
Archer said it will continue to work closely with ADA, as well as the the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to ensure Midnight's launch in the region.
Midnight is a piloted four-passenger aircraft.