Abu Dhabi is preparing to launch the world’s first flying taxi service, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025. The initiative will be implemented in partnership with Archer Aviation, a North American company specializing in electric take-off and vertical landing (eVTOL). The project includes the construction of a fleet of aircraft in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The Midnight model, developed by Archer, will be able to transport up to four passengers per trip, connecting several “vertiports” spread across the city. This system aims to reduce travel times by up to 80%, replacing journeys of 60 to 90 minutes with air journeys of just 10 to 20 minutes. Aircraft were designed to be safe, sustainable, silent and economically competitive with land transport.
According to an Archer spokesperson, the Midnight offers a level of safety comparable to that of commercial airliners and is 100 times quieter than helicopters at cruising altitudes.
eVTOL vehicles began gaining visibility in 2016, when Uber presented the idea at the Elevate conference, with the aim of allowing customers to book flying taxis like they book a traditional Uber. Since then, more than 300 startups focused on this sector have emerged, raising almost US$10 billion in funding. However, less than 5% of these companies are expected to survive, according to IDTechEx estimates. Archer Aviation positions itself as one of the three market leaders.
According to , Abu Dhabi offers ideal conditions for the implementation of this technology, both due to its geography, with large expanses of water that allow safe operations, and the institutional support of entities such as Abu Dhabi Airports and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) . According to Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of GCAA, there is a strong commitment to ensuring the safe launch of flying taxis.
Although Abu Dhabi is leading this innovation, global regulation still represents a major challenge. China, for example, has already carried out intercity tests in Guangdong province and plans to launch regular passenger services in 2026. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, up to five vertiports are planned to be operational next year, according to Alessandro Borgogna, an aerospace engineer and leader of the city’s SAVI Hub.
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