An artist's impression of an air taxi by Archer Aviation. SUPPLIED

Abu Dhabi is set to host the region's first commercial air taxi flights following a groundbreaking agreement between Archer Aviation Inc. and key UAE stakeholders. The multi-party cooperation was formalized in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a major milestone in advanced urban mobility. The initiative, backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and other entities, will also establish the region's first vertical electric vehicle manufacturing hub. The collaboration aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s efforts to solidify the emirate’s position as a leader in next-generation transportation. Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, emphasized the project’s transformative potential: "This partnership accelerates Abu Dhabi's vision for smart mobility, making the emirate a global leader in autonomous vehicles." The initiative aims to certify Archer's Midnight aircraft for commercial operations, supported by regulatory frameworks from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer, highlighted the UAE's strategic importance: "With Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach, we are confident in delivering a seamless air taxi experience." Etihad Aviation Training will train pilots, with plans for air taxi operations connecting passengers to Zayed International Airport. ICA/Expat Media ALSO READ: Construction of Dubai's first air taxi station begins
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