Latest news with #TalibAlhinai
Time Out Abu Dhabi
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi flying taxis have started testing in the UAE
It's time to get excited – Abu Dhabi flying taxis are coming in faster than you can say 'takeoff'. Just a few weeks ago, the Abu Dhabi Aviation Group announced a strategic collaboration with Archer to deploy its first eVTOL aircraft, Midnight, from Abu Dhabi. And now? Tests in the UAE have officially begun… The Abu Dhabi flying taxis have flown in Abu Dhabi Archer, the company responsible for the Abu Dhabi flying taxis, have announced that they have had their first test flight in Abu Dhabi. Before flying in the UAE, the aircraft was successfully tested in California – and you can actually see the whole video on YouTube. So when will the Abu Dhabi flying taxis be operational? Test flights of Midnight have begun. These will check the impact of the UAE's extreme summer temperatures on the aircraft and within the cabin before the flying taxi services officially launch. The Archer team have also scoped out potential routes in Abu Dhabi. Talib Alhinai, UAE general manager at Archer, told Time Out Abu Dhabi: ''We flew over Abu Dhabi for a route assessment for Archer's upcoming electric air taxi service launch in Abu Dhabi. We were focused on understanding the real customer experience. What would these routes look like? How would travellers see our city from this new perspective? The views are incredible. You're not just travelling, you're getting a completely new way of seeing Abu Dhabi.' Check out the amazing views below in footage supplied by Archer – they weren't wrong… Previously, Archer Aviation's chief commercial officer Nikhil Goel told Forbes: 'There are hundreds of cities that want air taxis. Abu Dhabi will be first, and that will be a lighthouse to the world to say, these air taxis are safe. From there, I hope that we can build the centre of the Middle East here and from that, you've got other countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council.' How will the Abu Dhabi flying taxis work? Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft will be able to carry up to four passengers, plus a pilot, at speeds of up to 241 km/h. For instance, you'll be able to get from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Emirates Palace in just 5 to 8 minutes – an upgrade from the typical 45-minute car ride. They're also fully electric and can operate back-to-back flights with minimal charge time in between. Credit: Archer How much will a flying taxi journey cost? While nothing is confirmed yet, Archer's CCO Nikhil Goel revealed potential prices in an interview with The National, saying it will be priced 'similarly to an Uber Black or a premium town car'. Inner city flights in Abu Dhabi : Dhs300 – Dhs350. : Dhs300 – Dhs350. Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Dhs800 – Dhs1,500. 'And then over time when we make our operations more efficient, our goal is to be comparable to the price of a taxi or an Uber', Nikhil Goel added. We're keeping a close eye on all the Abu Dhabi flying taxi updates, so stay tuned. Living in the UAE When is the next public holiday? Here's when you'll have your next day off 5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier 12 brilliant day trips from Abu Dhabi for when you need to escape the city And some of them are free
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
The National
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Flying taxi soars over Abu Dhabi in aviation milestone
Archer Aviation has completed the first test flight in Abu Dhabi of its air taxi in a move designed to revolutionise transport in the UAE. The flight took place at the capital's Al Bateen airport on Wednesday morning with the operation designed to put the aircraft through hot weather testing as anticipation builds for the eventual launch of commercial flights. The vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called Midnight was unpiloted but it is expected that commercial flights, once approved, will be piloted. It is hoped that air taxis could bolster public transport options and ease congestion on the roads as Abu Dhabi's population continues to surge. The California-based air taxi company, which has completed tests in the US, said its vision is to replace 60 to 90-minute car journeys with 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi trips. Video footage showed the aircraft soaring over the city adjacent to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. During the flight, technicians tested its performance under extreme heat, humidity, dust and other conditions. 'What we've seen today is the first step towards launching electric air taxis in Abu Dhabi,' Talib Alhinai, general manager for Archer Aviation in the UAE, told The National adding it was 'the first of many flights that we hope to do in this country'. 'We're very excited to test our aircraft in the hottest months of the year and, if we can show that we can be ready for these conditions, it means … we can operate anywhere, anytime.' Archer said Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, is fully electric, has a potential range of about 150km and can fly at speeds of up to 241kph. It can perform both vertical and conventional take-off and landing with Wednesday's test being a vertical take-off. The test flight supports Archer's partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The company is working with authorities to launch in Abu Dhabi – the first market in the world that Archer will launch in – and the aircraft will be going through the full approvals process by the UAE's aviation regulator General Civil Aviation Authority before any commercial services start. Also on Wednesday, the GCAA issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, Wam reported. This aims to enable both electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. The launch of air taxis has been eagerly anticipated in the UAE for years. It comes as the population of Abu Dhabi continues to surge with major knock-on effects for public transport but much work remains such as developing the vertiport network. While Archer would not reveal a precise launch date for commercial services, Mr Alhinai said it was hoped they could share that 'in the next several months'. Mr Alhinai also said they were careful about revealing how much taking an air taxi would cost but they were working on price tiers similar to 'upper tier' of ride share services. 'We're a bit careful in terms of determining what that final cost would be because there's just still some final information that we're finalising on what the locations would be and where we would be flying from,' he said, adding that the service was aimed at the general public. It was previously reported prices would be about Dh300 to Dh350 for inner-city travel. Archer had already announced the first 'heliport' would be located in the Mina Zayed Cruise terminal with the existing helipad being converted to dual use by the end of 2025. The Mina Zayed location is close to key sites such as the port, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island. He said it was finalising 'very exciting' other sites. When launched, it is envisaged that people can book a ride through a smartphone app in the same way one would hire a taxi today. Also under consideration is integration of the service with other modes of public transport from buses to future train services such as Etihad Rail's network, which is set to launch in 2026. 'That's something we think about very intentionally when we look at the design of our Abu Dhabi network,' said Mr Alhinai and it wanted customers to 'have a 'seamless journey from door-to-door' with 'extensive studies' undertaken. Mr Alhinai said it was entirely feasible to have air taxis flying across the city on aerial motorways as helicopters already do on routes across the city. 'Whether it's government, military, or ambulance services … they all follow specific routes over the city. Electric air taxis, when they deploy, will follow those exact same routes. If, in the future, we find that there are hundreds of vehicles in the market and it's creating … congestion in the skies … then there's other solutions being worked on by regulators,' he said. 'We really think that proving this successfully in Abu Dhabi means we can prove this successfully in other markets.' Abu Dhabi Investment Office is working with the company on the project. 'This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,' said Badr Al Olama, director general of the office. Omran Malek, head of smart autonomous vehicle industry at the office, told The National that Wednesday's test was a 'first step among many to come'. 'We are testing to commercialise,' said Mr Malek. 'In Abu Dhabi we're not just launching an air taxi service, we're launching an ecosystem. 'So from pilot training to maintenance, repair and operations to talent development and the manufacturing part,' he said. Mr Malek said if you looked at the sky above many cities it was 'empty' and 'we need to use and utilise that space above us'. He pointed to the fact Abu Dhabi has many islands – several are being developed – and air taxis could cut the length of travelling between them sharply. 'If you want to go from one island to another, you have to use a bridge but point to point it could take you five to 10 minutes.' Reiterating that integration of the planned air taxi network was crucial, he said they were thinking of how people get off Etihad Rail or use the bus stations and if transport across sea, air and land could be joined up it would be 'a jackpot'. The test follows a separate one on Monday in Dubai by Joby Aviation of its aerial taxi. Four 'vertiports' are planned there as well as tests last month in Abu Dhabi from a different operator. Mr Malek said the efforts were all down to the 'ecosystem from the federal to the government agencies that have worked all together, all marching in the same direction'. 'This technology is coming from abroad but because of the regulatory agility we have, it's being deployed here,' he said. 'And we're considering also exporting this know-how around the region to deploy these systems.'
Gulf Insider
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
UAE Air Taxi Trials to Begin This Year
The UAE will see air taxi trials take off this year as it prepares for next-generation transport. Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, said that the trial flights of the company's first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft 'Midnight,' is set to begin before the end of 2025. Speaking on the sidelines of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, Alhinai said the aircraft marks a major step in the country's urban air mobility goals, with operations set to begin in Abu Dhabi ahead of full commercial rollout. He said that Archer recently opened a manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA, boasting an initial annual production capacity of 650 aircraft with plans to scale up to 2,400. Regarding potential manufacturing in the UAE, Alhinai said the company has already signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research centre and explore local production, with further details to be announced soon. Designed for sustainable urban transport, Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, operates entirely on electric power, and takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. However, its design and operational profile are tailored for efficient short-distance flights in the UAE. Alhinai said initial test flights will take place in unpopulated areas, gradually expanding to urban zones as part of the phased approach to full deployment. A formal date for commercial service has not been set. He said that the specific date for the commencement of commercial service has not yet been determined but will be announced in due course, pending the completion of all necessary technical and operational requirements On the aircraft's technical features, Alhinai explained that Midnight is equipped with a fixed wing and 12 electric motors—six at the front and six at the rear. The front motors can rotate between 90 and 0 degrees, facilitating a seamless transition from vertical ascent to horizontal flight in 45 seconds. Also read: UAE Central Bank Imposes Dh200 Million Fine On Exchange House
Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
UAE air taxi trials to begin this year
The UAE will see air taxi trials take off this year as it prepares for next-generation transport. Dr. Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, said that the trial flights of the company's first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft 'Midnight,' is set to begin before the end of 2025. Speaking on the sidelines of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, Alhinai said the aircraft marks a major step in the country's urban air mobility goals, with operations set to begin in Abu Dhabi ahead of full commercial rollout. UAE air taxi trials He said that Archer recently opened a manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA, boasting an initial annual production capacity of 650 aircraft with plans to scale up to 2,400. Regarding potential manufacturing in the UAE, Alhinai said the company has already signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research centre and explore local production, with further details to be announced soon. Designed for sustainable urban transport, Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, operates entirely on electric power, and takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. However, its design and operational profile are tailored for efficient short-distance flights in the UAE. Alhinai said initial test flights will take place in unpopulated areas, gradually expanding to urban zones as part of the phased approach to full deployment. A formal date for commercial service has not been set. He said that the specific date for the commencement of commercial service has not yet been determined but will be announced in due course, pending the completion of all necessary technical and operational requirements On the aircraft's technical features, Alhinai explained that Midnight is equipped with a fixed wing and 12 electric motors—six at the front and six at the rear. The front motors can rotate between 90 and 0 degrees, facilitating a seamless transition from vertical ascent to horizontal flight in 45 seconds.
