Archer Aviation is gearing up to introduce air taxi services in the UAE, with plans underway to recruit and train pilots for operating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant step forward in the country's urban air mobility initiatives.
Strategic Partnership with Etihad Aviation Training
Archer Aviation, poised to launch air taxi services in the UAE next year, recently unveiled plans to recruit and train pilots to operate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant stride toward realizing air taxi operations in the country.
Teaming up with Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), based in Abu Dhabi, Archer Aviation aims to enlist and prepare pilots to fly its Midnight aircraft, a pivotal step in advancing the country's air taxi initiatives.
EAT, renowned for providing training programs for airport personnel, pilots, and cabin crew, boasts a prestigious clientele including Etihad Airways, Wizz Air, AirArabia, FlyDubai, Oman Air, and others, solidifying its position as a leading aviation training provider.
Archer Aviation's endeavor received a substantial boost in April through multi-hundred-million-dollar investments from Abu Dhabi. These funds are earmarked for manufacturing the Midnight aircraft in the UAE and establishing Archer's international headquarters in the Emirates. Additionally, the investments aim to facilitate the construction of vertiports in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, expediting the launch of commercial air taxi services by Archer in the UAE in the coming year.
The revolutionary Midnight aircraft promises to revolutionize travel by drastically reducing commute times from typical 60–90 minute car journeys to a mere 10–20 minute electric air taxi flight. Designed for four passengers and piloted operation, the Midnight facilitates rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between journeys, heralding a new era of urban air mobility.
To ensure compliance with the regulations of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other local authorities, EAT will provide invaluable guidance and expertise to establish tailored pilot training protocols in the UAE.
Advancing Aviation Training and Innovation
Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer Aviation, emphasized the significance of training a proficient cadre of pilots to operate their aircraft, underscoring the company's commitment to fostering a robust urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and beyond. The recruitment and training process for pilots will soon commence, paving the way for qualified personnel to operate Archer's Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region.
Captain Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Training, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Archer Aviation, highlighting their selection as the inaugural eVTOL partner for recruiting and training electric air taxi pilots in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration aims to deploy Archer's Midnight flight simulator at EAT's facilities later this year, further solidifying their commitment to advancing aviation training and innovation in the region.
