Archer Appoints Retired Brigadier General Cristiano Tartaglione as UAE COO
US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation, has appointed retired Brigadier General Cristiano Tartaglione as Chief Operating Officer for its operations in the UAE.
The company is actively working with regulators and local partners to build the country’s first commercial air taxi network.
Archer’s plans include converting existing infrastructure, such as the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad, into hybrid facilities capable of serving both helicopters and eVTOL aircraft.
The recent approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for this transformation reflects progress toward its regional goals.
Leading Local Operations & Regulatory Readiness
As COO, Tartaglione will lead Archer’s UAE-based operations, oversee team development, and ensure compliance with local aviation regulations.
His responsibilities include establishing operational infrastructure and working closely with the GCAA and other stakeholders to support a timely and safe rollout of commercial air taxi services.
Tartaglione brings more than three decades of experience from the Italian Air Force, where he held command positions in multinational air operations and oversaw advanced jet maintenance programs.
He has logged over 3,500 flight hours as a fighter pilot and served as Italy’s Defense Attaché to the UAE, giving him deep regional insight and strong connections within defense and aviation sectors.
In his post-military career, he has advised global aerospace and defense firms on transformation and market entry strategies across the Middle East and Europe.
“I am honored to join Archer Aviation at such a critical stage of growth as we prepare for commercial launch,” said Tartaglione.
“My focus will be on driving operational readiness, regulatory alignment, and long-term value as we launch safe and scalable air mobility services in the region.”
Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation UAE, welcomed the appointment, stating, “Cristiano joining the team is a big step forward for Archer Aviation’s mission in the UAE.”
He added, “His leadership and expertise will be critical as we aim to bring the region’s first commercial electric air taxi services to life, supporting the nation’s vision for futuristic and sustainable transportation.”