Archer Completes First Test Flight of Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi

Archer Aviation has successfully completed the first international test flight of its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi. The flight took place at Al Bateen Executive Airport, a significant step in Archer’s plan to launch commercial air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb5JmgGbj0I - Watch the Midnight in action 🎯

Midnight is Archer’s flagship aircraft. It is a piloted eVTOL designed for short-distance, high-frequency urban flights. The aircraft seats four passengers and one pilot and is powered entirely by an electric battery system. It can cruise at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour and is optimised for trips ranging from 20 to 50 miles. The design features 12 rotors — six fixed and six tilting — allowing for both vertical takeoff and efficient forward flight. Archer has also focused on rapid turnaround times, with charging expected to take roughly 10 minutes between flights, enabling back-to-back operations in high-demand city routes.

The aircraft is aimed at solving short-haul urban travel problems — routes that are often congested by road but too short to justify traditional air travel. Archer believes Midnight can replace 60- to 90-minute car journeys with quiet, emissions-free flights that take less than 15 minutes.

The test flight in Abu Dhabi was carried out in partnership with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Aviation, and the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC). It allowed Archer to evaluate the aircraft’s performance under high heat, humidity, and dust — conditions common in the region and crucial for certification in the Middle East.

This flight is part of Archer’s broader Launch Edition programme in the UAE, where it is working with local partners to build out the necessary regulatory and physical infrastructure. The UAE has already approved the design of its first hybrid heliport, set to be located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. This facility will support both conventional helicopters and eVTOL aircraft like Midnight.

From a development standpoint, Midnight has already completed multiple flight tests in the United States. With its first international flight now complete, Archer is continuing with real-world testing in the UAE as part of its global certification effort. The company has also received FAA approval for its pilot training programme, a necessary step toward commercial readiness.

Certification is expected sometime between late 2025 and 2026, with Archer aiming to launch commercial operations in the U.S. first, followed by the UAE. Abu Dhabi is set to become the company’s first international market for electric air taxis, with the long-term goal of integrating eVTOL flights into everyday urban transport.

As testing progresses, further flight trials are planned in both the U.S. and UAE over the coming months. These will support regulatory approvals and provide operational data as Archer moves toward full-scale deployment of its air mobility services.