An Arab country is preparing to launch the first “flying taxi.”
An Arab country is preparing to launch the first “flying taxi.”
2025-05-20 02:52
Shafaq News/ The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch the first test flights of the “Midnight” aircraft, the first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, as part of the “flying taxi” project. The project will begin its trial operations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi before the end of this year, in preparation for full commercial operation in later stages.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) quoted Talib Al Hanai, General Manager of Archer Aviation in the UAE, as saying on the sidelines of the US company’s participation in the “Made in the Emirates” exhibition on Tuesday: “The aircraft on display attracted significant interest from visitors,” noting that it is “a unique model within the new generation of sustainable urban air transportation.”
He explained that “the company opened a factory in the US state of Georgia, with a production capacity of up to 650 aircraft annually, with a future expansion plan to 2,400 aircraft.”
Al Hanai added, “We have a framework cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office that includes developing a research center and studying the possibility of manufacturing aircraft in the UAE. Details of this step will be announced soon.”
He pointed out that “the aircraft is 100% electric, accommodates four passengers in addition to the pilot, and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter, but is completely different in design and function.”
Al-Hanaei confirmed that “the pilot operation will begin in uninhabited areas and will then expand to include populated areas, in preparation for the launch of full commercial operations.” He added, “We have not yet set an official date for commercial operations, but we will announce it in due course, and we are working on the necessary technical and operational aspects.”
He revealed that Abu Dhabi Aviation will be the world’s first official operator of Midnight electric aircraft, under an agreement signed between the two sides last February. He noted that it is “the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East and a pivotal partner in launching this new mode of air transportation.”
Regarding the aircraft’s technical specifications, Al-Hanai explained that it “is equipped with a fixed wing and 12 electric motors, six in the front and six in the rear. The front motors can be adjusted from 90 degrees to zero degrees, allowing for a smooth transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight in just 45 seconds.”
Al Hanai affirmed Archer Aviation’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s efforts to transition to smart and sustainable mobility. The project represents the future of urban transportation and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional and global hub for innovation in the aviation industry.
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