Latest news with #OmranMalek
UAE Moments
04-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Abu Dhabi Achieves Success in First Flying Taxi Trial
Abu Dhabi has officially entered the future of urban transport with a successful test flight of its flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport on Wednesday. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! The milestone flight was announced by the US-based Archer Aviation in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), marking a major step toward the commercial launch of flying taxi services, which is expected to begin in early 2026. 'Today is the first step of many to enable the commercialisation of air taxis in Abu Dhabi and the UAE,' said Omran Malek, head of autonomous mobility and robotics at ADIO. 'We're not just launching a service, we're building an entire ecosystem around it, including pilot training, maintenance, manufacturing, and workforce development.' Testing For UAE's Unique Conditions The test flight of Archer's Midnight aircraft featured a vertical takeoff and landing, designed to evaluate performance in the UAE's challenging summer conditions, high temperatures, humidity, and dust. Dr Talib Alhinai, manager of Archer Aviation UAE, explained: 'Our initial flight tests are all about validating the aircraft's readiness for the UAE's environment. Once that's complete, we can move confidently into the commercial phase.' More tests are planned over the summer to further study the aircraft's durability in local conditions. Building The Future of Urban Mobility Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are racing to launch flying taxis, with Joby Aviation also conducting a successful test in Dubai earlier this week. Abu Dhabi, however, is taking a comprehensive approach by developing the necessary infrastructure, including vertiports, airspace integration, and local manufacturing facilities. According to Malek, Archer plans to begin manufacturing the flying taxis in Al Ain by 2027, with plans to export them to other countries as interest grows in the region. Affordable and Accessible Contrary to popular belief, flying taxis won't just be for luxury travelers. Malek reassured that the service is being designed to be affordable for the public: 'As we build more vertiports and increase the number of aircraft, the price will scale down, making it practical for daily use.' In the initial commercial phase, a small fleet of aircraft will operate in Abu Dhabi, with the service gradually expanding as the supporting ecosystem matures. With the first commercial flights targeted for early 2026, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in urban air mobility, not just testing the future but building it.
Gulf Insider
03-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Abu Dhabi Announces First Successful Flying Taxi Test Flight
Abu Dhabi on Wednesday announced a successful test flight of its flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport. The US-based Archer Aviation and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) announced the successful flight ahead of its commercial launch set to take place early next year.'Today is the first step of many steps that are going to happen to enable the commercialisation of air taxis in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We don't just test to test, but test to commercialise. We're not just launching an air taxi service, we're building an ecosystem around us — from pilot training to MROs to talent development to manufacturing with Archer Aviation, with the facility in Al Ain,' said Omran Malek, head of autonomous mobility and robotics at Abu Dhabi Investment Office. 'We are also collaborating with universities on what curricula or short diplomas need to be developed for the workforce that will go into this ecosystem.' He said the test phase will continue into the summer to 'understand how this vehicle will withstand the unique summer environment with humidity and dust. Then we'll bring this aircraft to fly over the city and then into the commercial phase in early 2026.' The successful launch of a test flight by Abu Dhabi comes a couple of days after a similar successful test launch by Joby Aviation in Dubai. Both the emirates are looking to launch flying taxis in the next few quarters. Dr Talib Alhinai, manager of Archer Aviation in the UAE, said Archer just completed its first flight of its Midnight aircraft in the UAE capital, which is Archer's planned first global launch market. 'It was a vertical takeoff and landing flight at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi city. Our initial flight test operations in the UAE are focused specifically on evaluating the aircraft's performance, including high temperature, humidity, and dust exposure. This allows us to validate our readiness for a planned commercial deployment in the UAE. The initial aircraft that we brought to the UAE specifically focuses on testing the UAE's conditions, and so it's not one of our piloted aircraft. We plan to have those in operation in the UAE later this year,' he said. 'Once we validate that readiness, we'll be able to assess our readiness for commercial deployments and expand our flight test programme.' In the initial phase of commercial launch, Archer plans to deploy a small fleet of aircraft to the UAE. In an interview with Khaleej Times , Omran Malek noted that the priority is to launch the commercial operations safely and have the ecosystem ready with the vertiports and integration with the airspace. 'So, all that is the priority for us to launch in Abu Dhabi.' He added that the aim is to launch commercial flying taxi services in early 2026 in Abu Dhabi. He added that the manufacturing of the flying taxis by Archer will begin in Al Ain in 2027. And in the next phase, they will be exported to other countries as well due to strong interest from regional countries. In terms of pricing, he said that the assumption is that this new mode of transportation is 'only for luxury travellers, which is not the case in Abu Dhabi. The price will be feasible for the public. As we introduce more vertiports and aeroplanes, that price will scale down so that it can be used on a daily basis.' Also read: Yas Waterworld Unveils Massive Expansion With Over 20 New Rides In Abu Dhabi
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE adds another flying taxi: US-based firm partners with Abu Dhabi for latest test flight success
Abu Dhabi completes its first successful flying taxi test at Al Bateen Executive Airport, paving the way for commercial launch in early 2026/Image credits: WAM Abu Dhabi has taken a major step toward futuristic transportation by successfully completing the first test flight of a flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport. The flight was conducted by US-based Archer Aviation in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), marking a milestone ahead of the planned commercial launch of air taxi services in early 2026. According to Omran Malek, Head of Autonomous Mobility and Robotics at Adio, the test flight is the first in a series of structured evaluations aimed at launching not just a flying taxi service, but a full-fledged aviation ecosystem. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, Omran Malek said, 'We don't just test to test, but test to commercialise. We're not just launching an air taxi service, we're building an ecosystem around us , from pilot training to MROs, to talent development, to manufacturing with Archer Aviation, with the facility in Al Ain.' The project also involves collaborations with universities to develop specialised curricula and short diplomas to prepare a skilled workforce for the sector. Testing Under UAE Conditions The testing phase will continue through the summer months to evaluate how the aircraft performs under Abu Dhabi's hot and dusty climate. 'Then we'll bring this aircraft to fly over the city and move into the commercial phase in early 2026,' Malek said. Dr Talib Alhinai, UAE Manager at Archer Aviation, said that the aircraft used in this phase was not piloted, as the goal is to test environmental readiness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One plan. Total peace of mind. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo 'It was a vertical takeoff and landing flight. Our initial flight test operations in the UAE are focused specifically on evaluating the aircraft's performance in high temperature, humidity, and dust,' he noted. Roadmap to Commercial Launch and Manufacturing Once testing is complete, Archer plans to launch a small fleet of air taxis in Abu Dhabi. Key priorities for the launch include: Safe commercial operations Fully developed vertiports Airspace integration 'All that is the priority for us to launch in Abu Dhabi,' said Malek. Looking further ahead, the manufacturing of the aircraft is scheduled to begin in Al Ain in 2027, with future exports planned to other interested countries across the region. A New Mode of Daily Travel Contrary to the belief that flying taxis will be exclusive to luxury travellers, Malek said pricing in Abu Dhabi will be designed to be feasible for the general public. 'As we introduce more vertiports and aircraft, that price will scale down so that it can be used on a daily basis,' he said. The announcement comes shortly after a similar successful test flight by Joby Aviation in Dubai, showing strong momentum in the UAE's push to lead urban air mobility in the region. Dubai's First Flying Taxi Test Flight Just this week, Dubai marked a key milestone in urban mobility with the first test flight of a flying taxi developed by Joby Aviation. The test took place at Joby's test facility at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, located along the Dubai–Al Ain Road. Dubai is now preparing for a commercial rollout by the first half of 2026, aiming to provide residents and visitors a premium air mobility service. The UAE is leading the way in futuristic transportation, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai successfully conducting test flights for flying taxis. These milestones reflect the country's commitment to redefining urban mobility, with significant investment in advanced technologies. By embracing innovative transport solutions, the UAE is working to become one of the most livable cities in the world, focusing on convenience, sustainability, and efficiency for residents and visitors alike.
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi announces first successful flying taxi test flight
Abu Dhabi on Wednesday announced a successful test flight of its flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport. The US-based Archer Aviation and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) announced the successful flight ahead of its commercial launch set to take place early next year. "Today is the first step of many steps that are going to happen to enable the commercialisation of air taxis in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We don't just test to test, but test to commercialise. We're not just launching an air taxi service, we're building an ecosystem around us — from pilot training to MROs to talent development to manufacturing with Archer Aviation, with the facility in Al Ain," said Omran Malek, head of autonomous mobility and robotics at Abu Dhabi Investment Office. "We are also collaborating with universities on what curricula or short diplomas need to be developed for the workforce that will go into this ecosystem." He said the test phase will continue into the summer to 'understand how this vehicle will withstand the unique summer environment with humidity and dust. Then we'll bring this aircraft to fly over the city and then into the commercial phase in early 2026.' The successful launch of a test flight by Abu Dhabi comes a couple of days after a similar successful test launch by Joby Aviation in Dubai. Both the emirates are looking to launch flying taxis in the next few quarters. Dr Talib Alhinai, manager of Archer Aviation in the UAE, said Archer just completed its first flight of its Midnight aircraft in the UAE capital, which is Archer's planned first global launch market. 'It was a vertical takeoff and landing flight at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi city. Our initial flight test operations in the UAE are focused specifically on evaluating the aircraft's performance, including high temperature, humidity, and dust exposure. This allows us to validate our readiness for a planned commercial deployment in the UAE. The initial aircraft that we brought to the UAE specifically focuses on testing the UAE's conditions, and so it's not one of our pilot aircraft. We plan to have those in operation in the UAE later this year,' he said. 'Once we validate that readiness, we'll be able to assess our readiness for commercial deployments and expand our flight test programme.' In the initial phase of commercial launch, Archer plans to deploy a small fleet of aircraft to the UAE. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Omran Malek noted that the priority is to launch the commercial operations safely and have the ecosystem ready with the vertiports and integration with the airspace. 'So, all that is the priority for us to launch in Abu Dhabi.' He added that the aim is to launch commercial flying taxi services in early 2026 in Abu Dhabi. He added that the manufacturing of the flying taxis by Archer will begin in Al Ain in 2027. And in the next phase, they will be exported to other countries as well due to strong interest from regional countries. In terms of pricing, he said that the assumption is that this new mode of transportation is 'only for luxury travellers, which is not the case in Abu Dhabi. The price will be feasible for the public. As we introduce more vertiports and aeroplanes, that price will scale down so that it can be used on a daily basis.'
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Abu Dhabi sees first autonomous drone parcel delivery trial by LODD and 7X
Abu Dhabi initiates its first autonomous drone parcel delivery test in Khalifa City. LODD's drone successfully delivered a package from a post office. This trial is part of Abu Dhabi's plan to integrate drones into its transport network. ADIO leads the project with support from LODD and 7X. The goal is a secure aerial delivery framework. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Aviation technology firm LODD has launched Abu Dhabi 's first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries. The test took place in Khalifa City, and a drone used a winch system to lower a test package from the air to a designated drop point. The drone took off from a nearby post office, delivering the parcel safely and precisely to its target drone trial is part of a broader strategy to integrate Unmanned Aerial Systems UAS ) into the city's transportation Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is leading the pilot project as part of its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster. Aviation technology firm LODD and logistics service provider 7X are supporting goal is to build a robust, secure, and innovative framework for aerial delivery services in the test delivery was strictly supervised, with regulatory oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Authorities ensured that all safety, airspace, and operational guidelines were Saber Al Hameli, Director of the ITC's Commercial Affairs Department, said the importance of safety and regulatory coordination. He noted that this trial represents a strong example of how public and private sector collaboration can drive progress in advanced mobility to ADIO's Omran Malek, the successful drone delivery highlights the long-term potential of autonomous delivery systems and reinforces Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a hub for innovation and advanced added that such efforts are not just pilot projects, but foundational steps towards building an integrated transport system of the drone delivery system demonstrated in this trial is designed to be scalable. LODD's CEO, Rashid Al Manai, explained that a single operator can monitor and control multiple drones simultaneously, making the system highly efficient for logistics said the company will continue working with regulators to further develop and expand the Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, said the project aligns with the UAE's national focus on smart mobility and emerging technology. He also noted that the drone system would enhance the speed and reach of the company's logistics arm, EMX, especially in areas that are difficult to access using traditional delivery methods.
