The UAE is set to take a major leap toward futuristic travel with the launch of its first electric air taxi trial flights before the end of 2025. The announcement was made by Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum.
The aircraft, named Midnight, is a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed for short, sustainable urban commutes. It will begin operations with trial flights in Abu Dhabi, initially focusing on unpopulated areas before expanding into urban zones as part of a phased deployment strategy.
Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, with a design optimised for city mobility. It takes off and lands like a helicopter but transitions into forward flight using twelve electric motors and a fixed-wing structure. The front six motors can rotate to allow smooth transition between vertical and horizontal flight, achieved in just 45 seconds.
While no specific date has been set for commercial rollout, the trial is a key step in positioning the UAE as a global leader in urban air mobility, aligning with its sustainability and innovation goals.