The move is said to mark the first of its kind in the region. Credit: Archer Aviation/Business Wire.

Archer Aviation has announced a multiparty collaboration with key United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Abu Dhabi entities to advance the establishment of commercial electric vertical-take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi services in the UAE capital.

Abu Dhabi is claimed to become the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to launch these types of services.

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), a principal signatory, will coordinate with various domestic bodies to prepare for the scheme’s commercial launch.

The ecosystem for eVTOL development includes Abu Dhabi Airports, Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, Global Air Navigation Services, Global Aerospace Logistics, and the Integrated Transport Centre.

The collaboration delineates the roles and responsibilities of each party, setting the stage for definitive agreements between Archer and the commercial stakeholders.

This partnership builds upon a previous agreement with the ADIO to expedite the commercialisation of air taxis in the region.

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ADIO director general Badr Al-Olama said: “We are pleased to see leading members of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector collaborating with Archer to support the launch of air taxis in the emirate.

“This partnership marks a major milestone in the efforts led by Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to accelerate smart and advanced mobility solutions, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart and autonomous vehicles.”

Abu Dhabi Airports managing director and CEO Elena Sorlini added: “We are proud to support this pioneering collaboration, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility in Abu Dhabi.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to innovation and positions the emirate as a global leader in next-gen transportation, ensuring seamless connectivity for future passengers.”

In May this year, Archer Aviation launched its battery pack manufacturing site, the first of two facilities set to be completed in 2024.

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