Archer Aviation partners with Etihad Training to launch eVTOL pilot program in UAE

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Archer Aviation Inc., a pioneering force in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, has inked a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Training. This strategic alliance is set to kickstart a comprehensive pilot recruitment and training initiative for Archer’s state-of-the-art Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant leap towards establishing an expansive urban air mobility network across the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement was made amidst the buzz of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, where Archer unveiled its Midnight aircraft to the Saudi audience for the first time. Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership, stating, “Collaborating with Etihad Training, a leader in aviation training, is a pivotal step in our mission to cultivate a robust fleet of pilots adept at navigating our innovative Midnight aircraft throughout Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Captain Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Training, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, remarking, “As we already train pilots for numerous international airlines, the opportunity to partner with Archer as our inaugural eVTOL collaborator is thrilling. We’re poised to commence training the vanguard of electric air taxi pilots to commandeer the Midnight aircraft, with the program’s launch anticipated as early as 2025.”

The partnership envisions the installation of a Midnight aircraft simulator at Etihad Training’s Abu Dhabi facility later this year, laying the groundwork for pilot training research and development. This initiative will bolster the pursuit of regulatory certifications and ensure the safe and efficient operation of Archer’s aircraft.

Archer’s engagement with various Abu Dhabi and Dubai entities is accelerating the region’s air taxi services. A recent agreement with ADIO is set to fast-track Archer’s commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, with ambitions to initiate manufacturing, operations, and training locally. This comprehensive pact cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a global frontrunner in urban air mobility, with air taxi services utilizing Archer’s Midnight aircraft expected to commence shortly.

Archer’s vision is to revolutionize urban commuting by replacing lengthy car journeys with swift, eco-friendly, and cost-effective electric air taxi flights. The Midnight, a piloted four-seater aircraft, is engineered for quick successive flights with minimal recharge time, promising a future where 10–20-minute air taxi trips become the norm for urban travel.

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