Launch Edition Playbook For Early Adopter Deployment

Archer Aviation announced the release of a “Launch Edition” commercialization program for its flagship Midnight aircraft. The goal is to establish a playbook to deploy Midnight in numerous early adopter markets in a practical and repeatable manner as it advances toward FAA certification of the aircraft.

The first Launch Edition customer for Archer will be Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), which has plans to deploy a fleet of Midnight aircraft this year. Archer will work with ADA to fly the Midnight in the coming months with the intent to begin passenger flights in Abu Dhabi. The two companies will collaborate in flight training, flight operations, and community outreach and education.

Archer also plans to provide a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the introductory operations to ensure an efficient and safe deployment. Back-end software infrastructure and a front-end booking application to facilitate operations during the launch.

His Excellency Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation said, “We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE. Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service and we are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s first electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”

Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer said, “The unveiling of our Launch Edition program marks the beginning of the next chapter for Archer. This is how we’ll bring Midnight from the manufacturing line to our first customers—and it’s a playbook we’ll run repeatedly as we scale our operations globally. Thank you to Abu Dhabi Aviation for being our first Launch Edition customer. We have a big year ahead.”

The partnership between the companies was made formal during a signing ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office when ADA signed a Memorandum of Understanding that described the framework for funding of the deployment. Archer will continue working with ADA, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and its partners in the region as it launches air taxi operations this year.

FMI:  www.archer.com/