Aviation360 MEA

Falcon Aviation, a private flight provider based in the UAE, is set to introduce eVTOL air services linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai in collaboration with Archer, the aircraft manufacturer. The recently announced partnership involves the joint development of a network of vertiports connecting the two cities using Archer’s four-passenger Midnight aircraft, with operational commencement targeted for as early as 2025.

The initiative will kick off at Falcon Tours Heliport Terminal in Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm resort, upgraded by Falcon Aviation last year and officially opened on Friday. Falcon Aviation, already established in helicopter charter flights, sightseeing tours, business jets, and ground handling and maintenance support, plans to adapt existing heliports for eVTOL use in conjunction with Archer.

Flights departing from Atlantis will link to the Marina Mall Heliport in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche district. The Midnight aircraft will traverse the Gulf, completing the journey from takeoff to landing in just 30 minutes, providing a substantial time-saving alternative to the approximately two-hour, 90-mile drive in peak traffic. The companies aim to modify existing heliports to accommodate eVTOL operations.

Falcon Aviation CEO Ramandeep Oberoi expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge transportation solutions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Falcon Aviation had previously explored eVTOL options, including discussions with Eve Air Mobility, Joby Aviation, AutoFlight, Overair, and Ascendance.

The collaboration between Archer and Falcon Aviation extends from a memorandum of understanding established last year, wherein the UAE-based company provisionally agreed to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Archer aims to have the Midnight certified and ready for service by 2025. The partnership is endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, which is anticipated to make an undisclosed investment, marking Archer’s first international venture. Archer will be part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster.

Archer Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel highlighted the swift progress made in the UAE since the announcement three months ago, emphasizing the significance of being the first to unveil plans for operations between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with vertiport infrastructure at both ends of the commuter route.