emirates7 - Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, announced that the company plans to begin test flights of its first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, before the end of 2025.
Speaking during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum, Alhinai highlighted the aircraft as a significant milestone in advancing the UAE’s urban air mobility ambitions, with initial operations expected to launch in Abu Dhabi prior to a broader commercial rollout.
He noted that Archer has recently inaugurated a manufacturing plant in Georgia, USA, which currently has the capacity to produce 650 aircraft annually, with expansion plans to reach up to 2,400 units per year.
Addressing the possibility of manufacturing in the UAE, Alhinai revealed that Archer has signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research center and evaluate options for local production, with more information to be released soon.
Designed for eco-friendly urban transport, Midnight accommodates four passengers and a pilot, runs entirely on electric power, and features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities similar to a helicopter. However, its structure and performance are optimized for efficient short-range travel.
Initial flight tests will be conducted in sparsely populated areas, with gradual progression into urban environments as part of a staged deployment strategy. A specific timeline for commercial operations has not been confirmed and will depend on completing all required technical and regulatory processes.
On the technical front, Alhinai described Midnight as having a fixed wing and 12 electric motors—six mounted in the front and six in the rear. The front motors can tilt between 0 and 90 degrees, enabling a smooth shift from vertical lift to horizontal flight in just 45 seconds.
Speaking during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum, Alhinai highlighted the aircraft as a significant milestone in advancing the UAE’s urban air mobility ambitions, with initial operations expected to launch in Abu Dhabi prior to a broader commercial rollout.
He noted that Archer has recently inaugurated a manufacturing plant in Georgia, USA, which currently has the capacity to produce 650 aircraft annually, with expansion plans to reach up to 2,400 units per year.
Addressing the possibility of manufacturing in the UAE, Alhinai revealed that Archer has signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research center and evaluate options for local production, with more information to be released soon.
Designed for eco-friendly urban transport, Midnight accommodates four passengers and a pilot, runs entirely on electric power, and features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities similar to a helicopter. However, its structure and performance are optimized for efficient short-range travel.
Initial flight tests will be conducted in sparsely populated areas, with gradual progression into urban environments as part of a staged deployment strategy. A specific timeline for commercial operations has not been confirmed and will depend on completing all required technical and regulatory processes.
On the technical front, Alhinai described Midnight as having a fixed wing and 12 electric motors—six mounted in the front and six in the rear. The front motors can tilt between 0 and 90 degrees, enabling a smooth shift from vertical lift to horizontal flight in just 45 seconds.