Archer Aviation to launch air taxis in Abu Dhabi by 2026

Electric vertical takeoff and landing Archer Aviation reached on Tuesday an initial deal with Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ASIO) to work toward launching its electric air-taxi service in the UAE by 2026.

The plans for UAE air taxi development come off the back of the California-based company’s $142 million deal in August to provide up to six of its “Midnight” aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.

As part of this strategic initiative, ADIO plans to support Archer with incentives for establishing its first international headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi.

“Our goal is to approve Archer’s air taxi to fly in the UAE as soon as it is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said.

Electrifying the sky in the UAE ⚡We're proud to announce the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as Archer's first international launch market with plans to commence electric air taxi operations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026. Recently, Archer had the honor of being joined by His… pic.twitter.com/1OBZQwd0o7

— Archer (@ArcherAviation) October 16, 2023