Abu Dhabi Aviation Group (ADA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Archer Aviation to introduce the first fleet of Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft globally, with deployment set to begin this year.
This collaboration is part of Archer’s global “Launch Edition,” which will see the launch of air taxi services starting in Abu Dhabi in partnership with ADA and in coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Collaboration for safe and efficient air taxi services
As part of the agreement, ADA and Archer will work together to create a framework for deploying the Midnight aircraft in multiple markets. This will involve building operational expertise and ensuring a smooth, safe rollout of electric air taxis in early adopter regions. Archer will also provide ADA with a dedicated team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the deployment, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
In addition to the aircraft, Archer will offer a comprehensive software infrastructure, including a booking application to support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations, helping ADA manage air taxi services effectively.
ADA takes the lead in electric air mobility
At the signing event, Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Badr Al Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), were present. ADA announced plans to fund the deployment of the Midnight aircraft, making it the first operator of electric air taxis in the region.
Al Hammadi said, “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. As a leading force in the aviation industry across the region and the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service. We are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, added, “The unveiling of Launch Edition 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. Thank you to Abu Dhabi Aviation for being our first Launch Edition customer. We have a big year ahead.”
With a vision to reduce traditional commutes, Archer’s Midnight aircraft aims to transform urban travel by offering 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights, providing a safe, sustainable, and low-noise alternative to car journeys.
