Archer Aviation Inc. a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has announced plans to launch air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi in 2026.
The aircraft manufacturers have partnered with ADIO with incentives for establishing its first international headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi.
Archer Aviation’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, said:
“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.”
The company has received $1.1 billion in funding from Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, Stellantis, and Boeing. Archer is seeking to work further with its global manufacturing partner Stellantis, as well as local partners in the UAE, to build out its aircraft manufacturing capabilities.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said:
“Bringing electric aviation to the UAE will help unlock congestion with zero emissions and, in turn, bring millions in foreign direct investment and thousands of jobs to the region over the next decade.”
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel and aim to replace 60–90-minute commutes by car with an estimated 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for rapid back-to-back flights with the minimal charge time between flights.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Our goal is to approve Archer’s air taxi to fly in the UAE as soon as it is certified by the FAA, and we are very excited to collaborate with them to bring electric air taxis to the country.”
