Abu Dhabi successfully completes first test flight of 'Midnight' flying taxi
Abu Dhabi's latest milestone comes amid a major push in the UAE to advance tests, infrastructure and legislation in a bid to adopt advanced air mobility as soon as 2026. Earlier in the day, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued the
world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations
, enabling both flying taxis and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure.
By enabling dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and landing pads for flying taxis, this initiative helps accelerate the implementation timelines in the UAE, optimizes infrastructure utilization and cements the UAE's position as a leader in fostering an integrated ecosystem supporting the future of aviation.
Archer seeks regional expansion following Abu Dhabi success
With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Archer's test flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE GCAA, the
Abu Dhabi Investment Office
(ADIO), the Integrated Transport Center, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer's regional partners.
Focused on evaluating the flying taxi's VTOL performance in UAE-specific conditions, including temperature, humidity and dust exposure, the test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment.
Following this milestone in Abu Dhabi, Archer will expand its flight-testing program for the Midnight flying taxi in the region, gathering additional data to support its certification and commercialization plans in both the UAE and other key markets.
'This flight marks a significant step towards realizing Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility. Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies,' said Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO.
Read: Dubai completes region's first Joby Aerial Taxi test flight, says Sheikh Hamdan
Achievement builds on approval of UAE's first hybrid heliport
The test flight supports Archer's Launch Edition commercialization program with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish flying taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes as Archer continues to advance its certification and commercialization efforts in the UAE and beyond, building on recent achievements, including regulatory design approval for the
UAE's first hybrid heliport
at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing partnerships with leading regional operators.
'Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi. Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.
The Launch Edition program represents Archer's approach to establishing commercial operations in key early adopter markets. Abu Dhabi's role as Archer's first Launch Edition market positions the emirate as a global leader in urban air mobility deployment, demonstrating Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovative transport and sustainable mobility solutions.
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