Abu Dhabi: Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, announced that the trial flights of the company's first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named "Midnight," are set to commence before the end of 2025.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Alhinai made this announcement during the "Make it in the Emirates" forum, highlighting the aircraft as a significant advancement in the UAE's urban air mobility initiatives. The inaugural operations are planned to begin in Abu Dhabi, leading up to a full-scale commercial rollout. Archer Aviation has also launched a manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA, with an initial production capacity of 650 aircraft annually, which is expected to expand to 2,400.
In terms of future prospects within the UAE, Alhinai revealed that Archer has signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. This agreement aims to establish a research centre and explore possibilities for local manufacturing, with additional details anticipated to be released soon.
The Midnight aircraft is specifically designed for sustainable urban transport, accommodating four passengers and a pilot. It operates exclusively on electric power and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, similar to a helicopter. Its design and operational profile are optimized for short-distance travel.
Alhinai noted that the initial test flights would be conducted in unpopulated areas, eventually transitioning to urban environments as part of a phased deployment strategy. The exact date for the start of commercial services remains undecided and will be announced once all technical and operational prerequisites are fulfilled.
Regarding the technical aspects of the aircraft, Alhinai detailed that Midnight is equipped with a fixed wing and twelve electric motors, with six positioned at the front and six at the rear. The front motors can rotate between 90 and 0 degrees, ensuring a smooth transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight within 45 seconds.