Archer Aviation appoints new UAE Lead to accelerate electric air taxi launch
US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation (Archer), has recently appointed Dr Talib Alhinai as its UAE Lead.
Alhinai, who is a member of the Board of Directors for the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will take charge of the company’s ambitious plans to introduce electric taxis across the UAE.
His role will be instrumental in guiding Archer’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), a consortium aimed at paving the way for the company’s entry into the region.
Strategic leadership
Announced as part of Archer’s third quarter (Q3) 2024 results, the consortium is already making strides toward establishing a regulatory framework, building necessary infrastructure, and shaping operational plans that could see air taxi services operational by late next year.
Alhinai brings a wealth of strategic expertise from his previous role as Director of Strategy at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, a key advisory body under the command of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed.
In this role, he contributed to long-term strategic planning and performance reviews for the emirate.
Furthermore, Alhinai’s background also includes working with McKinsey & Company in multiple global markets, focusing on high-growth technology, sustainability, and advanced air mobility (AAM).
“As a leader who worked to advance Abu Dhabi’s strategic and executive plans in the service of its Executive Council led by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Dr Alhinai will be instrumental as we work towards our launch across the UAE, starting in Abu Dhabi as soon as next year,” said Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“His background in aerial robotics and his expertise in aviation and national policy will help accelerate our launch of air taxi services in the region.”
Dr Alhinai expressed enthusiasm about the role, noting the UAE’s leadership in advancing electric air mobility.
“The UAE is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis, and it is a cornerstone of Archer’s commercial launch plans. I’m proud to be joining to support their growth in the region. The team is talented, the tech is impressive, and we’ve got a big year ahead of us—I’m excited to dig in,” he said.