Archer Concludes Midnight eVTOL Testing In Desert-Specific Conditions The Archer Midnight recently concluded a full battery of flight and operational tests in the United Arab Emirates. The tests reportedly went well and solidifies the operational readiness of the Archer Midnight in UAE-specific dessert climate. The tests were not only for Archer but it was a collaboration between several UAE/Abu Dhabi entities. Integrated Transport Center (ITC), Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), local regulator General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) were responsible for permitting the tests under their rules. Archer's own 'Launch Edition' program was also in full effect.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO, said, “We designed Midnight to be able to handle challenging weather environments like the UAE with its sand and heat, and it delivered the results we expected it to across all phases of flight. Our ‘Launch Edition’ program has proven to be an effective framework to help accelerate Archer and our partners’ progress toward commercialization in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.” The recent testing in the arid conditions of Abu Dhabi has been part of Archer’s Launch Edition commercialization program. This direction and program is the commercialization path for Archer as well as it aims for Abu Dhabi to become the first region globally to begin commercial operations with the Midnight aircraft.
Mahmood Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, added, “The successful completion of these initial flight tests highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating an innovation-friendly environment that will support efforts to successfully implement eVTOL aircraft into the UAE’s airspace.” He also noted, “Our collaboration with Archer continues to demonstrate how partnerships between global innovators and local industry leaders, via Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ program, can accelerate the arrival of this transformative new mode of transportation in the UAE and beyond.”
Archer hosted the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) at its Headquarters in San Jose, CA, in October for a week-long working session to accelerate its regulatory pathway in the Emirates. Additionally, Archer’s airline team is working with Etihad Aviation Training to mature its operational readiness by advancing pilot training. Abu Dhabi’s announcement to develop an emirate-wide air taxi network featuring over 10 vertiport sites, coordinated by the Integrated Transport Centre. With this phase of testing complete, Archer will move into the next phase of its Launch Edition program with support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Integrated Transport Center. Future work includes recruiting and training local pilots with Etihad Aviation Training, further advancing certification with the GCAA, conducting additional flight test operations with Abu Dhabi Aviation, and continuing preparations for early-stage commercial operations in Abu Dhabi. For more information: Archer Aviation 190 W Tasman Dr, San Jose, CA 95134, United States www.archer.com ***
