The electric air taxi Midnight by Archer Aviation. SUPPLIED

The UAE’s first electric air taxi, Midnight, is set to make its inaugural trial flight before the end of 2025, according to Archer Aviation’s general manager. Speaking at the "Make it in the Emirates" forum, Dr. Talib Alhinai said the aircraft’s initial test flights will begin in unpopulated areas, later expanding to urban environments in a phased rollout. Midnight, a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is designed for short-distance, sustainable air travel. “Midnight is a step forward in our vision of transforming urban mobility in the UAE,” Alhinai said, noting that operations will commence in Abu Dhabi prior to full commercial rollout. The four-passenger aircraft, with a pilot onboard, features 12 electric motors — six in front and six in the rear. The front motors rotate up to 90 degrees to transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight within 45 seconds. Archer Aviation has launched a manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA, with an initial annual capacity of 650 aircraft and plans to scale up to 2,400. The company has also signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research center and explore manufacturing options in the UAE. Commercial rates for air taxi rides are expected to range between Dh800 to Dh1,500. These flights aim to cut down long commutes, such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai, to under 30 minutes. ICA/Expat Media
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