The prospect of full-scale air taxi services in the UAE is drawing nearer with a recent “framework agreement” established between Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). Under this agreement, Archer, specializing in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will undertake in-country manufacturing, launch operations, and necessary training ahead of the service launch. Presently, the goal is to have these services operational “as soon as next year.”
“Archer has partnered with Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau to be our in-market air taxi operators,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of the company. “Falcon Aviation and Air Cheateau have locations in both Emirates and ADIO has committed to building additional vertiport infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. “Early operations will utilize a handful of aircraft. As manufacturing ramps up, the number of aircraft flying in market will scale accordingly.”
Under the established framework agreement, ADIO will collaborate with Archer and other air taxi operators to facilitate the development of vertiports across various locations in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to bolster the urban air mobility infrastructure essential for scaling up Archer’s operations.
The potential for air taxi services between major cities in the UAE utilizing eVTOL aircraft emerged as tangible business opportunities last year. These aircraft are expected to operate at a cruising altitude of 2,000 feet, with flight durations ranging between 10 to 30 minutes.
“Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO.
“We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its ‘Midnight’ aircraft in the UAE.”
The CEO mentioned, “The Archer Midnight aircraft can accommodate four passengers and a pilot on each trip. Our Midnight prototype is regularly conducting flights at our flight test facility in Salinas, California, and we are on track to finalize the first piloted, conforming eVTOL aircraft in the industry later this year.”
He further explained, “Our data science team conducts extensive research and modeling to identify optimal routes and locations in each market. This allows us to develop a data-driven operational plan for each city we enter.”
Regarding the likely fares for routes such as Abu Dhabi-Dubai, Goldstein stated, “The details are still being finalized before we can confidently determine fares. However, our projected operating economics support passenger mile costs comparable to those of an ‘Uber Black Car,’ with pricing expected to decrease to ‘Uber X’ equivalents as our operations expand.” (Uber Black Car refers to a more luxury-oriented vehicle and service than the standard.)
ADIO and Archer will continue collaborating with Archer’s partners to expedite the company’s progress in the region. Supported by early investor Mubadala, UAE’s sovereign wealth fund, Archer’s partner operators Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau, along with GAL-AMMROC, have announced plans to offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul support for Archer’s eVTOL aircraft.
For More Details: https://arabianworldmagazine.com/
