Launch Edition Program Progressing Toward Commercialization

Archer Aviation, developer of eVTOL aircraft, announced the completion of a flight test program of its Midnight aircraft in-country in the UAE with its operating environment over desert areas. The flights showcased the Midnight’s full flight envelope including vertical takeoff, transition, and wingborne flight, and the campaign signifies a major step forward in the implementation of Abu Dhabi’s vision for advanced air mobility.

The plans for AAM were developed under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Pursuant to the Launch Edition program and this flight test progress, Archer has begun receiving payments under its agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation.

The flight test campaign in Abu Dhabi successfully demonstrated Midnight’s performance and reliability under the operating and environmental conditions specific to the UAE and support Archer’s pathway toward operational readiness in the region.

The tests were coordinated with the UAE’s GCAA, General Civil Aviation Authority, Integrated Transport Centre, and Abu Dhabi Aviation.

Beyond flight testing, Archer and its partners are making progress in certification of the aircraft and preparations for pilot training and aircraft maintenance. Archer hosted the GCAA at the company’s headquarters in San Jose, California, for a week-long working session to accelerate its way through the regulatory process in the Emirates. Archer’s airline team has worked alongside Etihad Aviation Training for advancing pilot training to mature its operational readiness.

Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer 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.”

Mahmood Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group said, “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. 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.”

FMI:  www.archer.com/