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Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Flying taxi services closer as Archer, Joby complete first and longest piloted flights
Flying taxi services in the UAE have moved a step closer to reality, as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed their first and longest piloted flights. Joby Aviation signed a definitive agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in February 2024 to launch air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. Meanwhile, Archer Aviation has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to introduce flying taxi services in Abu Dhabi. Both companies are expected to roll out their services later this year or next year. On Monday, Archer announced that its Midnight aircraft successfully completed its longest piloted flight to date, covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126mph. The flight took place at Archer's flight test facility in Salinas, California. Test flights in the preceding week reached speeds of nearly 150mph over a variety of patterns. This latest achievement advances toward certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US and near-term commercialisation in the UAE. 'Crossing the 50-mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialisation that shows the maturity of our programme,' said Adam Goldstein, Archer's founder and CEO. Midnight flight test pilots will continue to expand speed and duration, and test mission profiles that map to early commercial operations in the UAE. US-based Archer Aviation last week said it would expand on its in-country operations in the UAE, including pilot training, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) setup and flight testing to gather additional data for certification and commercialisation plans in the UAE and the US over the coming quarters. Joby's successful piloted flight Meanwhile, Joby Aviation said it successfully completed its first piloted flight between two US airports in controlled airspace. Set to launch its commercial flying taxi service in Dubai in the first half of 2026, Joby's piloted flight lasted approximately 12 minutes over 10 nautical miles. It included five minutes in a holding pattern for air traffic spacing, reflecting the progress the electric air taxi firm is making toward securing approval from the US regulator to launch commercial service. In February 2024, Joby Aviation signed a definitive agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in 2026. RTA and Joby also partnered with Skyports for the construction of vertiports. Joby's piloted flight follows a previous successful test flight at its facility at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, along the Dubai–Al Ain Road, in June 2025. The aircraft completed several loops over the facility and surrounding desert. The US company operated the flight in airspace controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), between Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY) airports in California. 'Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated into the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we're prepared for service on day one,' said Didier Papadopoulos, president of aircraft development and manufacturing at Joby. 'For years, our flight testing has validated our aircraft's capabilities, and we've done this across a wide range of environmental conditions.' Joby recently began the final assembly of its first aircraft for Type Inspection Authorisation (TIA) flight testing – one of the last major steps in FAA certification. The company plans to begin flight testing with FAA pilots early next year. Following certification, Joby aims to launch commercial service in the US, starting in Los Angeles and New York City.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Consult Group Worldwide surpasses $740 million in capital
The Dubai-based firm, Consult Group Worldwide (CGW) has announced it has surpassed $740 million in capital raised, and has emerged as a driving force in reshaping the alternative investment landscape since its inception in 2012, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for family offices, wealth managers, asset managers, and Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) seeking tailored financial strategies. Founded by , CGW was established to meet growing market demand for flexible, intelligent, and client-specific investment solutions. Over the past decade, the firm has distinguished itself through a bespoke, strategy-led approach that combines advanced financial analytics, deep market awareness, and emerging technologies to deliver high-value outcomes for clients. 'Our vision has always been to provide investment solutions that are relevant, responsive, and sustainable, especially in volatile or fast-changing markets,' said Peter Doyle, founder and CEO of CGW. 'Surpassing this milestone of $740 million in capital raised is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and our ability to anticipate market changes rather than react to them.' CGW develops custom investment strategies tailored to the unique requirements of each client. This level of personalisation has proven increasingly valuable as global markets face greater complexity, decentralisation, and digital transformation. The company's expertise extends across multiple asset classes and sectors, ensuring clients have access to a diverse spectrum of opportunities aligned with their long-term objectives. it also supports SMEs and alternative product providers in accessing efficient capital channels, while empowering financial advisors with the tools they need to guide clients through an evolving investment environment. A hallmark of CGW's methodology is the integration of fintech and data-driven systems into every stage of the investment process. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the firm helps financial professionals identify untapped opportunities, optimise portfolio diversification, and manage risk with greater precision. This technology-first approach gives CGW and its clients a competitive edge in an industry increasingly shaped by automation, digital platforms, and blockchain innovations. CGW operates on a two-pronged market engagement model: Capital access for providers – Connecting SMEs and alternative investment product creators to capital efficiently. Advisor empowerment – Equipping wealth managers, asset managers, and IFAs with informed, data-backed tools to serve their clients. This dual focus fosters a balanced, scalable, and sustainable investment ecosystem that benefits both capital sources and capital users. With market adaptability at the heart of its strategy, CGW is committed to strategic partnerships, refined risk frameworks, and expanding its global footprint. The company's leadership sees the next phase of growth driven by deeper integration of technology, increased focus on health-related investment trends, and continued emphasis on long-term value creation.
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Russia to send 75 mice into space aboard 'miniature hotel' for cosmic ray research
Russia is preparing to launch 75 mice and 1,000 fruit flies into space as part of a month-long mission that will show how cosmic radiation affects living organisms. The research by Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, and the Institute of Biomedical Problems could prove helpful as agencies set their sights on resuming manned missions to the Moon, and eventually to Mars. The mice and flies, as well as plant seeds, algae, microorganisms and cell cultures, will be loaded on to the Bion-M No 2 biosatellite, scheduled to be launched on August 20 from Kazakhstan. It will travel around the Earth for 30 days. The spacecraft will orbit in a region where cosmic radiation is much higher than what astronauts experience aboard the International Space Station, Roscosmos said on Telegram. 'Mice and flies will soon be sent into space,' the post said. 'They will help scientists understand how space phenomena affect living organisms in the range where the level of cosmic radiation is approximately 30 per cent higher than in near-Earth orbit. This is important for preparing people for long-distance space flights.' The study will compare three groups of mice – one living in normal conditions on Earth, a second kept in identical flight hardware in a laboratory on Earth and the third sent into space. Cameras, sensors and implanted chips will monitor the rodents and allow researchers to track changes to their hormones, immunity and metabolism. 'Mini-hotel' for mice The mice will be placed in a unit described by Roscosmos as a 'miniature hotel". It has its own lighting, ventilation, feeding and waste disposal systems. The mission carries five modules, four stocked with paste-like food that also boosts hydration and one unit where 'premium passengers' will dine on dry food and water in gel form. The use of cell cultures could also help to deepen our understanding of how radiation alters biological processes at every scale. Scientists have known for decades that radiation is one of the biggest barriers to long-term human space travel. Earth is shielded by radiation by its atmosphere and magnetic field, but deep space exposes astronauts to cosmic rays and bursts of solar radiation. Bigger picture Dr Dimitra Atri, principal investigator at NYU Abu Dhabi's space exploration laboratory, told The National that the risks of travelling through deep space are often underestimated. 'Space radiation is relentless and deeply underestimated," he said. "Researching how radiation impacts life is crucial for protecting astronauts during extended missions to the Moon and beyond, as it helps develop effective shielding, medical countermeasures and mission protocols to reduce long-term health risks." 'Without aggressive research, our dreams of living and working beyond low Earth orbit will remain fantasies. If we don't tackle this head on, future astronauts could pay a steep price with health.' The Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s tackled the issue by limiting how long astronauts could remain on the surface of the Moon. But with Nasa's Artemis programme, the US space agency and its partners are preparing for missions that could last weeks and months, exposing astronauts to higher doses of radiation. Mars missions, which could last two to three years, would be even more challenging. China and Russia are also developing a lunar research station, with China aiming to send an astronaut to the Moon before 2030. Dr Ashok Narayanamoorthi, a space medicine expert, told The National previously that secondary radiation was the main problem facing astronauts. 'It bombards the space capsule or your habitat and enters as secondary harmful radiation. Protective clothing available so far is very bulky … it can't be easily used for daily life," he added. Revival of Soviet legacy Russia has a long history of sending animals into space, dating back to the Soviet era when a dog named Laika became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Over the decades, dogs, monkeys and other small animals were launched on flights to test the limits of life beyond Earth's atmosphere. Bion-M No 1 launched in 2013, carrying mice, geckos and other organisms for a 30-day flight. This latest mission reflects Russia's hope to remain a key player in biological space research, even as international collaboration with Roscosmos has dropped since the outbreak of war with Ukraine.
