Archer Aviation shares surge on Abu Dhabi eVTOL deal

Shares of Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:) saw a 10% increase following the announcement of a significant partnership to launch commercial electric air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a pioneering step for the company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The collaboration involves the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Airports, and other key aviation stakeholders, with the goal of accelerating the introduction of electric vertical-take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) air taxis in the Emirate.

Under the guidance of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the agreement was finalized and witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasized that the partnership highlights Abu Dhabi’s dedication to advancing smart mobility solutions and establishing the city as a leader in autonomous vehicles. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), pointed out the critical role of collaboration in safely launching air taxis in the UAE.

Archer Aviation is set to become the first eVTOL manufacturer in the region, supported by a consortium that includes Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, the GCAA, Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).

The partnership builds on a week-long certification workshop held in November 2024 at Archer’s headquarters, which focused on establishing the regulatory framework needed to certify Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations in the UAE.

Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, recognized the UAE as a cornerstone for the company’s future growth, citing the support of local partners and Abu Dhabi’s progressive approach to transportation. This move is part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation in urban mobility and sustainable transportation.

Archer Aviation, renowned for its advancements in the electrification of aviation, aims to reduce congestion in densely populated urban areas with its proprietary technology. The company’s new partnerships and anticipated developments in Abu Dhabi signify a major advancement in the field of urban air mobility.

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