Abu Dhabi test flight sets stage for the launch of electric air taxis services

In a major step toward launching electric air taxi services in the UAE, Archer Aviation has successfully conducted test flights of its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The milestone event aligns with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) strategy to promote innovative aerial mobility, and was made possible through collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).

The flight was attended by high-level representatives from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ADIO, the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Archer’s regional partners. The demonstration aimed to evaluate the Midnight aircraft’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities under the UAE’s challenging environmental conditions—including extreme heat, humidity, and dust—ensuring the platform is suitable for real-world operations in the region.

Following this successful trial, Archer will continue expanding its flight-testing programme in the UAE, collecting further data to support regulatory certification and the broader commercialisation of its eVTOL services across the region.

Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, commented: “This flight is a key milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming a global leader in advanced urban air mobility. Through our Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are creating an environment where innovators like Archer can develop, test, and scale future mobility solutions. This reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a launchpad for transformative technologies.”

Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation, added: “Our first test flights in the UAE represent a major step toward commercial launch in Abu Dhabi. Conducting these operations in the summer heat gives us critical data to advance both our certification and deployment strategies—locally and internationally.”

The test forms part of Archer’s "Launch Edition" programme in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to roll out commercial air taxi services in the emirate. This initiative builds on recent progress including regulatory design approval for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at Zayed Port’s Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, and strategic collaborations with leading operators in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s selection as the first Launch Edition market for Archer underscores the emirate’s commitment to pioneering sustainable and smart transportation solutions, cementing its position as a global frontrunner in next-generation urban air mobility.