Archer Aviation names its UAE head ahead of air taxi launch
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Archer Aviation has appointed retired Italian military officer Brigadier General Cristiano Tartaglione as its Chief Operating Officer for UAE operations, as the company prepares to launch its commercial electric air taxi services in the country.The announcement comes at a critical juncture, with Archer planning to introduce its all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, in Abu Dhabi as early as this year or next. The air taxi service aims to significantly cut down travel times, replacing 60–90-minute car journeys with 10–20-minute flights.Tartaglione brings over three decades of leadership experience from the Italian Air Force, where he commanded multinational air operations, led advanced jet maintenance programmes, and logged more than 3,500 flight hours as a fighter pilot, a statement by Archer Aviation said. 'I am honoured to join Archer Aviation at such a critical stage of growth as we prepare for commercial launch,' said Tartaglione. 'My focus will be on driving operational readiness, regulatory alignment and long-term value as we launch safe and scalable air mobility services in the region.'In his new role, Tartaglione will lead Archer's UAE operations, build and mentor a local team, develop operational infrastructure, and ensure compliance with UAE aviation regulations. He is expected to work closely with local partners including Abu Dhabi Aviation and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).The Midnight aircraft, manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia, is designed to carry a pilot, four passengers, and luggage at speeds of up to 241km/h. It is engineered to be low-noise, safe, and competitively priced with ground transport options.Dr Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation UAE, said: 'Cristiano joining the team is a big step forward for Archer Aviation's mission in the UAE. His leadership and expertise will be critical as we aim to bring the region's first commercial electric air taxi services to life.'Archer recently secured GCAA design approval to convert the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into the country's first hybrid heliport for helicopters and eVTOL aircraft. Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel said in recent media interviews that the Midnight aircraft is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi this summer for test flights under Gulf weather conditions.
He also indicated that fares will be comparable to ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber.
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