Archer flies ‘Midnight’ eVTOL in Abu Dhabi ahead of UAE commercial launch
Archer Aviation has conducted the first flight of its electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi ahead of its eventual commercial launch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Archer announced on July 2, 2025, that its aircraft, Midnight, completed the flight at Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) as the eVTOL developer looks to build real-world data about UAE-specific conditions.
Archer plans to expose Midnight to conditions such as high temperatures, humidity and dust in advance of its commercial deployment in the UAE and the Middle East.
With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer’s regional partners.
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) will be Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, with plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft beginning later this year.
“Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation. “Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.”
Following the flight, Archer will now expand its flight-testing program for Midnight in the region, gathering additional data to support its certification and commercialization plans in both the UAE and other key markets.
“This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.”
Archer announced in April 2025, that the company had received approval to convert the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for helicopters and eVTOL aircraft.
Archer has also formed a partnership with the flight service operator Falcon Aviation to develop a vertiport network in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to enable flights between the two cities.
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The post Archer flies ‘Midnight’ eVTOL in Abu Dhabi ahead of UAE commercial launch appeared first on AeroTime.
Archer Aviation has conducted the first flight of its electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu…
The post Archer flies ‘Midnight’ eVTOL in Abu Dhabi ahead of UAE commercial launch appeared first on AeroTime.
