Archer & Etihad Team Up to Train and Recruit eVTOL Pilots in the UAE

Archer Aviation, a leading company in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Etihad Training to recruit and train pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi.

This initiative aims to support the operation of these aircraft across the UAE. The announcement was made at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Archer is showcasing its Midnight aircraft for the first time in the country.

As part of the partnership, Archer plans to deliver a Midnight aircraft simulator to Etihad Training’s center in Abu Dhabi. This simulator will be used for research and development of pilot training competencies, aiding in the regulatory certification process.

Etihad Training will leverage its local expertise to engage with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other local authorities to establish the necessary pilot training requirements, ensuring safe and efficient operations of Archer’s aircraft.

Archer has been collaborating with various entities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to expedite the launch of its air taxi services in the region. This announcement marks another significant step in developing Archer’s infrastructure there. In late April, Archer and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed an agreement to accelerate Archer’s commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, expected to launch as early as next year.

The agreement covers in-country manufacturing, operations, and training, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in urban air mobility. Archer plans to begin air taxi services with its Midnight aircraft next year.

Archer aims to revolutionize urban travel by replacing 60-90 minute car commutes with 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. These flights are designed to be safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. The Midnight aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger vehicle capable of rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.