In the UAE, air taxi services will be accessible beginning in 2025. In order to get ready for the launch the next year, US-based Archer Aviation has already completed over 400 “Midnight” test flights this year alone.
In advance of the introduction of air taxis in the UAE in 2025, Archer already signed deals with UAE-based businesses to construct vertiports, produce Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi, and establish regional offices in the UAE.
Four months ahead of schedule, in 2024, the business that would run the taxis completed 402 test runs in the first eight months, exceeding its goal of 400 test runs.
The first aircraft was delivered by Archer Aviation to the US Air Force for assessment in the middle of August.
The CEO and creator of Archer, Adam Goldstein, expressed his pride in the team that tested the aircraft and the organizations that helped make it possible in this manner: “We were seen as bold when we first announced our aim of 400 flights this year. I’m proud of the our team and supporting groups made it happen ”
The journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which currently takes 60–90 minutes, will only take 10–20 minutes with the Midnight, which can accommodate 4 passengers including a pilot. A ride within Dubai will cost about Dh350, whereas a ride between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will cost between Dh800 and Dh1,500.
Critical data is generated by every flight, and this data is utilized to assess and improve the aircraft’s loads, vibrations, performance, and handling characteristics.
For testing, Archer has been concentrating on a few important areas. In order to gather information, test Midnight’s durability, and ensure maximum safety, these activities include:
- Longer-distance and faster-speed transition flights
- Increased number of flights per day to replicate the high cadence of Archer’s anticipated commercial operations
- Performing a series of hover landings in varying wind conditions with varying rates of descent
- Performing a series of hover operations with different microphone arrays in order to gather additional data for the Federal Aviation Authority in the US and to further evaluate and tune Midnight’s noise signature.
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