Archer unveils Midnight “Launch Edition” commercialisation programme, Abu Dhabi Aviation will be the first customer to deploy the aircraft
US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation (Archer), has unveiled a “Launch Edition” commercialisation programme for its Midnight aircraft.
The programme aims to develop a practical and repeatable commercialisation playbook for deploying Midnight in multiple early adopter markets ahead of the aircraft’s FAA-type certification.
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) will be the first Launch Edition customer, with plans to introduce an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year.
This week, ADA and Archer signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining a framework to fund the deployment of Midnight Launch Edition aircraft.
Collaborating for a seamless rollout
In the coming months, both companies will collaborate to conduct Midnight test flights in the UAE.
In addition to delivering the Launch Edition aircraft, Archer will provide ADA with a dedicated team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial operational ramp-up.
Furthermore, the company will supply backend software infrastructure and a front-end booking application to facilitate urban air mobility operations throughout the Launch Edition programme.
HE Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, said, “We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE.”
He added, “Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service and we are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s first electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”
On his part, Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer, said, “The unveiling of our Launch Edition program marks the beginning of the next chapter for 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.”
Moving forward, Archer will continue to work closely with ADA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and its other established partners in the region to launch electric air taxis in Abu Dhabi later this year.