Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:ACHR) shares rose 2% after the company successfully conducted its first test flight of the Midnight electric aircraft in Abu Dhabi — a pivotal moment in its push toward launching commercial air taxi services in the UAE.
The demonstration took place at Al Bateen Executive Airport and was attended by high-level officials from multiple UAE government entities and Archer’s local partners. The flight focused on evaluating the aircraft’s performance in region-specific conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, and airborne dust.
With this milestone complete, Archer plans to broaden its flight-testing program in the UAE to collect additional operational data. These efforts support both the certification process and commercial rollout in the Emirates and beyond. The test flight is part of Archer’s “Launch Edition” program with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to bring air taxi services to the capital city.
“Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO and founder. “Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.”
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, added that the flight “marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility.”
This test follows other notable developments from the company, including regulatory design approval for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport, located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.