Experimental operation of the first “flying taxi” in the Emirates before the end of 2025

Talib Al -Hinai, General Manager of “Artcher Aviation” in the UAE, revealed that the first experimental flights of the “Mediait”, which is the first fully electric plane that takes off and landed vertically, is part of the “Flying Taxi” project, which will begin its experimental operations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi before the end of this year, in preparation for the full commercial operation in later stages.

Al -Hinai said in statements on the sidelines of the participation of the American company “Archer Airlines” in “Ashi in the Emirates”, that the plane attracted great attention from visitors, noting that it is a unique model of its kind within the new generation of sustainable urban air transport.
He pointed out that the company recently opened a factory in Georgia, USA, with a production capacity of 650 aircraft annually, with a future expansion plan to 2400 aircraft annually.

On the possibility of manufacturing these aircraft in the UAE, he said we have already a cooperation framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office that includes the development of a research center, and the study of the possibility of manufacturing aircraft in the Emirates, and details of this step will be announced soon.

He added that the plane is operating with electricity by 100%, and it accommodates four passengers in addition to a pilot, capable of taking off and vertical landing such as the helicopter, but it is completely different in terms of design and job.

Al -Hinai stressed that the experimental operation will start from the uninhabited areas, and then it will expand to inhabited areas, in preparation for the launch of the full commercial operation.

He said: “We have not yet determined an official date for commercial employment, but we will announce it in time, and we work on all technical and operational aspects necessary for that.”

On operating partnerships, the Director General revealed that “Abu Dhabi Airlines” will be the first official operator of the “Mediait” electrical planes in the world, according to an agreement signed between the two sides last February.

He pointed out that “Abu Dhabi Air” is the largest operator of commercial helicopters in the Middle East, and is a pivotal partner in launching this new style of air transport.

With regard to the technical characteristics of the plane, Al -Hinai indicated that it is equipped with a fixed wing and 12 electric motors, six of which are in the front and six at the back, and it is characterized by the fact that the front engines are capable of changing the rotation angle from 90 to zero degrees, allowing the smooth shift from vertical take off to horizontal flying in just 45 seconds.

The commitment of “Archer Aviation” to support the UAE’s efforts to shift towards smart and sustainable movement, noting that the project represents the future of urban transport, and enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional and global center for innovation in the aviation industry.