Archer Aviation Partners with Etihad Training to Launch Flying Taxi Pilot Program in UAE

Archer Aviation, a leading flying taxi company, has entered a strategic partnership with Etihad Training to train pilots for its innovative Midnight electric aerial vehicles (EAVs) in the UAE. This collaboration aims to bolster urban air mobility (UAM) operations across Abu Dhabi and the broader United Arab Emirates region.

The announcement came during the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Archer’s introduction of the Midnight EAV to the Saudi market following its debut at the DriftX mobility expo in Abu Dhabi.

Archer is working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Falcon Aviation, and Air Chateau to establish a robust UAM network in the UAE. Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer, emphasized the importance of training pilots to ensure the success of their urban air mobility initiatives. “Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is critically important… Etihad Training is the premier organization to partner with on this front,” Goel stated.

Etihad Aviation Training, known for training pilots for various global airlines, will now extend its expertise to include the Archer eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles. Additionally, Archer plans to provide a Midnight flight simulator at the Etihad training center in Abu Dhabi to facilitate this training.

Earlier in the year, Archer and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office laid plans to accelerate commercial air taxi operations, set to commence next year. Significant financial backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office will support the construction of vertiports and charging infrastructures, vital for the operation of flying taxi services.

This partnership also led to the announcement at the DriftX mobility event at the Yas Marina Circuit, which was well-attended and featured demonstrations of various flying vehicles. Furthermore, the collaboration includes the construction of a local manufacturing facility for the Midnight and the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

Automaker Stellantis has also joined the initiative, having recently acquired 8.3 million shares of Archer, with plans to be the exclusive producer of the Midnight model.

Archer’s vision is transformative: replacing 60- to 90-minute car trips with flights ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. The Midnight is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, ideal for journeys of 20 to 50 miles, requiring only 10 minutes of battery charging between flights.

The company is progressing with the construction of its initial three flying taxis for federal approval processes. These eVTOLs are destined for flight testing and subsequent “for credit” flight testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, a high-volume manufacturing facility is being developed in Georgia, expected to produce up to 650 flying vehicles annually.

Archer’s commitment to advancing the advanced air mobility (AAM) market is further underscored by a Space Act Agreement with NASA for testing its battery cell and system design and a recent deal with Air Chateau International to purchase the EAV for operations in the UAE.

This partnership not only aims to advance the flying taxi industry in the UAE but also sets a global benchmark in the development and operationalization of urban air mobility solutions.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, iotworldtoday.com