Archer Aviation is pushing the boundaries of urban air mobility with its ambitious project, the Midnight, a four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company’s chief safety officer, Billy Nolen, announced at the Dubai Airshow that the once fanciful concept of flying taxis is transitioning from science fiction to science fact, with tangible results expected by 2025.
The Midnight, designed by Archer Aviation, is an eVTOL aircraft set to redefine urban transportation. The company anticipates receiving regulatory approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration by 2025, laying the foundation for a transformative shift in urban air mobility. The UAE is poised to witness the deployment of Archer’s flying taxis as early as 2026, with initial routes connecting key locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Archer Aviation, backed by significant investors, including the Emirati sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, envisions a future where flying taxis become integral to daily transportation. The UAE is expected to experience surging demand for these aerial vehicles, and Archer plans to establish routes connecting major airports to iconic landmarks.
With its innovative design featuring independently wired and powered propellers, the Midnight aims to address safety concerns associated with catastrophic failures. The aircraft also incorporates a gliding wing for emergency situations, ensuring passenger safety. The quick recharge time of six to seven minutes aligns with the efficient turnover between trips, making the flying taxi an attractive and viable mode of transportation.
Archer’s business model revolves around ride-share bookings, with an initial estimated cost of $4-5 per mile for passengers. The company plans to capitalize on existing helicopter routes, emphasizing the safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of its eVTOL solution. The Midnight offers a maximum range of approximately 160 kilometres at speeds around 240 kilometres per hour.
Nikhil Goel, Archer Aviation’s chief commercial officer, envisions the Midnight becoming a game-changer in urban mobility. The aircraft’s zero-emission and neighbour-friendly characteristics, with noise levels significantly lower than traditional helicopters, align with the vision of creating sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for smart cities.
The test flights of the Midnight in California and the anticipation of regulatory approvals mark significant milestones in Archer Aviation’s journey toward making flying taxis a reality in the near future.
