Archer Aviation begins test flights for electric air taxi in Abu Dhabi

Archer Aviation has successfully carried out test flights of its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step toward launching commercial air taxi services in the UAE, WAM reported.

The flights were conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and align with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's strategy to promote next-generation urban air mobility in the emirate.

Senior officials from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ADIO, the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Abu Dhabi Aviation attended the demonstration, which focused on evaluating the aircraft’s performance under local environmental conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and dust.

Archer now plans to expand its regional flight-testing program to gather further operational data, supporting both its certification process and plans for commercial deployment in the UAE and other key markets.

“This flight marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to become a global hub for advanced air mobility,” said Badr Al Olama, Director General of ADIO. “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are helping companies like Archer test, certify, and scale cutting-edge transport technologies.”

Archer CEO and Founder Adam Goldstein called the UAE test flights "a critical milestone," noting that operating the aircraft in real-world conditions during the peak of summer is vital for advancing certification and preparing for commercial service in both the UAE and the U.S.

The test is part of Archer’s Launch Edition program in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation, aimed at establishing air taxi routes in the city. This effort builds on the company’s recent progress, including regulatory design approval for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at Zayed Port’s cruise terminal and collaborations with regional aviation stakeholders.

By selecting Abu Dhabi as the inaugural Launch Edition market, Archer underscores the emirate’s role as a pioneer in sustainable, tech-driven mobility and a leader in global urban air transport innovation.