Archer Aviation Inc., in an agreement reached at the DRIFTx mobility event held at the Yas Marina Circuit, is aimed at expediting Archer’s ambitious plans for commercial air taxi operations across the UAE.
The agreement encompasses investments to propel Archer’s envisaged commercial air taxi services in the UAE, with a target launch as early as next year. This strategic move positions Abu Dhabi as a global frontrunner in fostering urban air mobility, with plans for imminent air taxi operations utilising Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
Key elements of Archer’s partnership with ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office) include the construction of vertiports, operational facilitation for air taxi services, and local manufacturing of Archer’s cutting-edge Midnight aircraft. ADIO is also dedicated to nurturing Emirati talent through workforce development programmes and facilitating the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation endeavours across the Emirates. It serves as a catalyst to expedite the launch of our electric air taxi service, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s commitment to become a global hub for urban air mobility.”
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, echoed the sentiment, affirming, “Abu Dhabi is spearheading the global launch of electric air taxis, and ADIO is honoured to partner with Archer, a pioneering force in aviation innovation. This collaboration signifies our collective dedication to advancing urban air mobility and underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering technological innovation.”
As part of the agreement, ADIO will collaborate with Archer and other air taxi operators to develop vertiports in key locations throughout Abu Dhabi, bolstering the infrastructure essential for Archer to scale operations effectively. The collaboration between ADIO and Archer culminates in the wake of their memorandum of understanding announced during the 2023 launch of ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.
In conclusion, Archer’s strategic collaboration with ADIO stands as a testament to their shared vision of transforming urban travel. With robust investments, pioneering technology, and unwavering commitment, Archer aims to redefine transportation norms, offering efficient, sustainable, and safe air taxi services that transcend traditional boundaries.
SOURCE: Archer Aviation Inc. News