Archer Aviation will begin trial flights of its fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, in the UAE before the end of 2025, marking a significant step in the country's urban air mobility ambitions.
Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, made the announcement during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum. He said the company plans to launch operations in Abu Dhabi first, with a phased rollout leading to eventual commercial services.
Midnight is designed for sustainable, short-distance urban travel. It can carry four passengers and a pilot, operates fully on electric power, and takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. A key technical feature is its 12 electric motors—six at the front and six at the rear—with front motors capable of rotating to allow a smooth 45-second shift from vertical to horizontal flight.
Initial test flights will take place in remote, unpopulated areas before expanding to urban zones. While no date has been confirmed for commercial service, Alhinai said it would follow once all technical and operational benchmarks are met.
Production of Midnight is already underway at Archer’s new facility in Georgia, USA, which currently has the capacity to produce 650 aircraft annually, with plans to scale up to 2,400.
Alhinai also revealed that Archer has signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a local research centre and explore manufacturing opportunities within the UAE. Further details are expected in the near future.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
