Flying Taxis Set to Launch in Abu Dhabi

18 hours ago Editor

Flying taxis are coming to Abu Dhabi as Archer’s Midnight aircraft prepares for deployment. The eVTOL aims to cut travel time between emirates while pioneering the UAE’s urban air mobility revolution.

The UAE is set to witness the arrival of flying taxis as Archer, a US-based eVTOL manufacturer, prepares to introduce its Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi in the coming months. The launch aims to revolutionize urban mobility by significantly reducing travel times between emirates.

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) has become Archer’s first Launch Edition customer and is set to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year. The partnership involves collaboration in pilot training, flight operations, and infrastructure development to support the smooth rollout of the service. Archer will also provide backend software, booking applications, and technical personnel to ensure efficient urban air mobility operations.

The Midnight aircraft, a four-passenger, piloted eVTOL, is designed for quick turnaround flights, reducing commutes that typically take 60 to 90 minutes by car to just 10 to 30 minutes. The cost for a journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is estimated to range from Dh800 to Dh1,500, with intra-city fares within Dubai expected to be around Dh350.

Archer will manufacture Midnight in the UAE to cater to regional demand while working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other partners to launch electric air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi. The initiative positions Archer as the first company to introduce flying taxi services in the UAE.

Additionally, rival eVTOL manufacturer Joby is collaborating with Dubai to establish similar operations, with Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) designated as the country’s first commercial vertiport for flying taxis. The development of a sustainable urban air mobility ecosystem is rapidly taking shape in the UAE, marking a significant step toward futuristic transportation solutions.