eVTOL developer Archer Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) as it seeks to launch its electric Midnight aircraft in the United Arab Emirates’ capital by 2026, according to the press release.
“We are thrilled to work with Archer to host their first international operations in Abu Dhabi. Bringing electric aviation to the UAE will help unlock congestion with zero emissions and, in turn, bring millions in foreign direct investment and thousands of jobs to the region over the next decade.”
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office
Agreement details
Archer Aviation and ADIO agreed to make Abu Dhabi the aircraft maker’s first-ever international launch partner.
Archer aims to launch air taxi operations in the capital as early as 2026, which will aid UAE’s goal of becoming a major player in the global Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) industry.
In return, ADIO will provide Archer incentives for its first international headquarters and production plants in the SAVI Cluster in Abu Dhabi.
For context, SAVI is a green urban community in the capital established by Mubadala Investment Company subsidiary Masdar. It is expected to invest in global companies and accelerate the advancement of smart and autonomous vehicles.
“We are excited to announce this joint collaboration for the United Arab Emirates to become our first international market outside of the United States. Archer plans to partner closely with ADIO and the Department of Economic Development to bring manufacturing and operations for our air taxis to the region. Together, we are positioned to be a driving force in making all-electric air taxis a reality in the skies of the UAE and beyond in the coming years.”
Archer Aviation’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein
Stellantis’ role
Stellantis, along with other local partners, will aid Archer in establishing its aircraft manufacturing capabilities and its Center of Excellence in the capital.
Stellantis also contributed to Archer’s current total funding of more than $1.1 billion. Other investors include Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, and Boeing.
The multinational automaker will play a significant role by mass-producing Archer’s eVTOL aircraft for the UAE. Its US plant will also become the “blueprint for future Archer manufacturing facilities.”
“We are excited to be working with Archer to begin establishing a high-volume manufacturing facility for the Midnight aircraft in the United States over the last couple of years. We hope this first production site will be a blueprint for future Archer manufacturing facilities as it expands operations to serve new regions, starting with the Middle East, where we see extraordinary potential for urban air mobility.”
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis
Archer’s progress
Archer recently secured a $142 million deal in August to supply a maximum of six Midnight aircraft to the US Air Force.
The California-based company aims to reduce traditional car commute time by offering 10- to 20-minute eVTOL flights in urban areas.
Archer also recently obtained the necessary certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing them to launch the Midnight aircraft test flights in the US.
The UAE agreed to allow the company to deploy its air taxis in the country as soon as the FAA grants full certification, TechCrunch reported.
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Archer plans to exhibit the Midnight aircraft at the Dubai Air Show from November 13 to 17. It will also bring the eVTOL at the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF) in the subsequent week in Dubai.
Notably, the eVTOL developer also partnered with Falcon Aviation and GAL-AMMROC to ensure the smooth operation of Midnight air taxis in the UAE.
