Abu Dhabi’s government is backing both Archer and Joby in advancing plans to launch eVTOL air taxi services in the emirate under a pair of framework agreements signed on Thursday. The rival U.S. aircraft manufacturers sealed their respective deals during the DRIFTx mobility event held at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The agreement with Archer calls for the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to commit several hundred million dollars to lay the groundwork for operations the company said could start in 2025. In addition to investing in vertiports, the ADIO will also support the manufacturing of its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL vehicle in the UAE, as well as training initiatives for the advanced air mobility sector across the Gulf region. Archer, which is establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, will join Abu Dhabi officials in implementing a recruitment and training program for local Emirati citizens.
Joby signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport to launch air taxi operations in the emirate and other, as yet unspecified, locations. The agreement was also backed by the emirate's Department of Economic Development and Department of Culture and Tourism.
China's EHang exhibited its two-seat EH-216 at the DRIFTx show, as well as a model of its larger VT-30 aircraft. The company signed its own agreement with ADIO calling for a strategic collaboration in support of eVTOL commercialization, and indicated it plans to establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The new alliance also includes the Multi Level Group, which is a Middle Eastern financial technology company.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Seek Pole Position
Archer's framework agreement does not appear to grant Archer exclusivity in accessing the eVTOL air taxi market in Abu Dhabi, where the company expects to operate flights of 10 to 20 minutes to replace car journeys of up to 90 minutes. By contrast, Joby recently struck a deal with Dubai's government that gives it exclusive rights to operate air taxi flights within that emirate. Joby said its new agreement with Abu Dhabi clears the way to operating flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are just over 80 miles apart.
Both Archer and Joby are involved in Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster. Over the past 12 months, officials in the UAE have been stepping up efforts for the Gulf state to be one of the first locations in the world to establish commercial eVTOL operations.
"Today's agreement demonstrates the incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE," said Joby's founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt. "We're looking forward to delivering a fantastic experience for our future customers in Abu Dhabi and we're excited to unlocking the potential for zero-emissions between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We're grateful for the support and collaboration of our governmental partners and the entire ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and we remain deeply impressed by their commitment to building out a world-class aviation ecosystem in the emirate."
This week’s agreement builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding signed by Archer and ADIO, which is also a direct investor in the company. The UAE’s Mubadala sovereign wealth fund is providing support.
“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialization efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025,” commented Archer’s CEO Adam Goldstein. “The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer's conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility.”
Archer said it will develop early air taxi services in partnership with local business aircraft operators Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau. Local aviation service group Global Aerospace Logistics—Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center is committed to providing support for Midnight aircraft operating in the region.
This story was updated to include details of EHang's partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.