• The partnership brings together key entities across the aviation sector, with Archer Aviation (‘Archer’) serving as the primary eVTOL aircraft manufacturer
  • Agreement positions Archer as the first in Abu Dhabi to establish manufacturing capabilities for full eVTOL production
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Office to facilitate launch of commercial eVTOL operations by Q1 2026
  • The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has been working closely with Archer through a week-long workshop at Archer’s headquarters and flight test facility

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced that it has entered into a multiparty collaboration agreement with key UAE and Abu Dhabi entities to advance the establishment of electric air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement aims to formalize the cooperation between all UAE and Abu Dhabi stakeholders in preparation for the launch of the first commercial eVTOL flight in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026).

The agreement was signed under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.

Under the agreement, Archer Aviation will become the first manufacturer of vertical electric vehicles in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and will launch the first commercial flying taxi operations in the emirate, making it the first to establish local manufacturing capabilities for full eVTOL production.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, a key signatory to the agreement, will facilitate coordination among Abu Dhabi entities in preparation for launch of commercial operations in Q1 2026. Forming a robust ecosystem for eVTOL development, other parties to the agreement include Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Airports), Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, Etihad Airways, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility). The collaboration outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party and lays the foundation for definitive agreements between Archer and the commercial stakeholders.

The partnership represents a strong alignment between leading aviation industry players, and follows a previous collaboration agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to accelerate air taxi commercialization.

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: "We are pleased to see leading members of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector collaborating with Archer to support the launch of air taxis in the emirate. This partnership marks a major milestone in the efforts led by Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to accelerate smart and advanced mobility solutions, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart and autonomous vehicles.”

Director General of the GCAA, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said: “We are committed to launching electric air taxis safely in the UAE. Today’s consortium announcement showcases the importance of collaboration across the country’s preeminent aviation entities in order to host Archer’s Midnight in the region next year.”

Etihad Airways CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, commented: “Abu Dhabi continues to lead the way in safe aviation innovation, and we look forward to working with Archer to commercialize their electric air taxis, which we hope will carry premium Etihad passengers to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport in the near future.”

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, emphasized the significance of the consortium: "The UAE is a cornerstone of Archer’s future, and these partnerships are key to making that future a reality. The comprehensive support from our partners, combined with Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach to next-gen transportation, creates an ideal environment for launching Midnight.”

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has been working closely with Archer, including organizing a week-long workshop at Archer’s headquarters and flight test facility in November 2024, to establish the necessary regulatory framework to certify Archer’s Midnight aircraft and approve air taxi commercial air taxi operations by Q1 2026.

About Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO):

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.

For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.gov.ae.

For more information, please contact:

ADIO@edelman.com