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Abu Dhabi Aviation to get first 'Midnight' electric aircraft for 20-minute air taxi trips

Archer Aviation is ADA's partner, which will mean 20 minute Dubai-Abu Dhabi trips

5 May 2025

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Source: Gulf News

The Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has signed up to launch the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the UAE and outside.

An agreement has been signed with US firm Archer Aviation to deploy the 'first fleet' of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft globally, starting this year itself. The initiative is part of Archer’s 'Launch Edition' program, which was launched from Abu Dhabi in partnership with ADA.

We are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.

— Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation

Safe launch of air taxis in UAE

The intent is to establish an initial fleet in coordination with UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to 'safely deploy air taxi services in the region.

Rates could be in the range of Dh800-Dh1,500.Over five thrilling days, Dubai will become the centre stage for global leaders, driving the industry forward and showcasing the latest technologies, visionary aircraft, and an electrifying flying display. An expanded exhibition hall of 8,000sqm will meet the growing demand within aerospace in the region.

The intent is to replace 60–90 minute commutes by car with an estimated 10 to 20 minute air taxi flights 'that are safe, sustainable, and low noise'.

Travel in under 30 minutes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

These services are meant for busy routes such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and which would mean travel times of under 30 minutes.

The Archer Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

ADA and Archer will work to establish a framework that will allow latter to establish a 'pragmatic and repeatable playbook' to deploy Midnight commercially in multiple early -adopter markets. 

They also plan to ramp up operational expertise, generate revenue and continue to strengthen long-term demand.

Archer will provide ADA with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial operational lift-off, 'ensuring a safe and efficient deployment'.

Archer also plans to offer an integrated software infrastructure, including a booking application, to support UAM operations.

According to Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, "This is how we’ll bring Midnight from the manufacturing line to our first customers—and it’s a playbook we’ll run repeatedly as we scale our operations globally.

"Thank you to Abu Dhabi Aviation for being our first Launch Edition customer.

"We have a big year ahead.”

Dubai Airshow 2025 is where innovation takes flight, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. This year’s edition introduces a bold new look that reflects the evolution of the event and its role as a global catalyst for change. Packed with next-generation features and cutting-edge advancements, the rebrand highlights the strength of the event, supported by the patron and stakeholders, accelerating innovations that bring the future of aerospace to the UAE. With record floor space and the largest conference to date, Dubai Airshow 2025 will reaffirm its position as the world’s premier aerospace event.

— Tim Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets

New features include the Training Academy, a vibrant hub of innovation and learning, showcasing student displays and workshops led by industry experts, and hackathons where participants will corroborate to solve the most pressing industry challenges. In addition, electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (EVTOLs) will be taking flight and showcasing their capabilities.

In a Dubai Airshow first, the industry will gather to celebrate aerospace on the actual runway in an iconic, exclusive event. With breathtaking views, The Party on the Runway will provide unforgettable entertainment, and a night filled with luxury, elegance, and incredible networking opportunities.

Held over three stages, nine conference tracks will bring together 250+ industry leaders to discuss topics ranging from aerospace technology advancements to sustainable aviation solutions to innovation in space exploration. New themes include MRO, Airport and Airline Keynotes, Workforce Development and Partners Programme. Meanwhile, rooted in the UAE’s vision to support Emiratisation, NextGen Leaders is a progressive initiative that bridges the gap between exceptional young talent and industry leaders. Dedicated to refining the skills of students, graduates and emerging professionals, it paves the way for a high-calibre workforce, unlocking the potential of the region’s brightest minds.

In partnership and collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, Space remains another core component of the Dubai Airshow and in 2025 will be enhanced with new activations and enhanced content, making it a key showcase feature and knowledge-sharing platform for the space industry in the region and beyond. Features include high level networking, asset display, experience zones and delegation programs, while space startups will have access to grants, funds and varied investment opportunities, connecting them with corporate partners, investors and end users.

VISTA, a dedicated hub for over 120 global aerospace start-ups and 50 investors, will also return. As the leading start-up platform for talented and innovative entrepreneurs from across the globe, this year will see more investors, an increased number of mentorship hours and the launch of emerging sectors that are transforming the future of the industry.

As the UAE strengthens its position as a leader in the aerospace evolution, this year’s edition of the record-breaking Dubai Airshow will gather industry trailblazer and innovators, promising to surpass all expectations. 

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Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat. 


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Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

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