Transport of the future ready for launch in Dubai

Dubai authorities are intensively preparing for the launch of transport of the future in the emirate – air taxis. The American company Archer Aviation has conducted more than 400 test flights of Midnight vehicles in preparation for the launch next year.

The Midnight air taxi, designed for four passengers and a pilot, will reduce the journey time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 60-90 minutes to 10-20 minutes. A journey between the emirates will cost between AED 800 and AED 1,500, while a trip within Dubai will cost around AED 350.

Earlier this year, Archer signed agreements with UAE companies to build vertiports, manufacture Midnight air taxis in Abu Dhabi and establish a regional headquarters in the Emirates ahead of the launch of air taxis in the UAE in 2025.

Each flight provides critical data that is used to evaluate and improve the loads, vibrations, performance and controllability of the vehicles.

The company is focusing on several key areas of testing. These include transient flights to longer ranges and higher speeds to collect data, increase endurance and maximise safety.

In addition, the company increased the number of test flights per day to simulate the high frequency of anticipated commercial operations and to test the durability of Midnight.

It also tested a series of landings in different weather conditions and at different descent rates.

Source: Khaleej Times