Once air taxis take to the skies in the UAE, the trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi could take just 10 to 20 minutes — with fares ranging from Dh800 to Dh1,500, according to reports from Khaleej Times.
Nikhil Goel, the Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, shared details about how the service will work in the UAE. Khaleej Times previously reported that a ride within Dubai could cost around Dh350, but when traveling between emirates, such as from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the cost would range from Dh800 to Dh1,500.
Goel highlighted the convenience of air taxis, explaining that the typical 60- to 90-minute road journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi could be completed in just 10 to 20 minutes with air taxis. For those seeking a more premium experience, private air taxis would also be available for high-end services.
Archer Aviation is preparing to launch these air taxis, with certification currently in the final stages. The company is expecting to be ready to start operations by the end of 2025. “Within the next 18 to 24 months, you will see passengers flying on our aircraft across the UAE,” Goel confirmed.
What We Know About the Futuristic Taxi Service
In April, Archer Aviation secured multimillion-dollar investments from Abu Dhabi to produce its Midnight aircraft and to establish its international headquarters in the UAE capital. The investments are also aimed at developing vertiports in key locations across Abu Dhabi to support the launch of commercial air taxi operations in the region.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for rapid flights, with minimal charge time between trips. The aircraft will operate at altitudes between 500 and 3,000 meters above the ground. “It will fly at around 500 meters in remote areas and can go as high as 3,000 to 4,000 meters in urban areas,” Goel explained.
The routes for these flying taxis are still being finalized in coordination with aviation authorities, though many of them are expected to follow existing helicopter routes. These routes will be optimized to avoid obstacles like tall buildings and popular tourist sites. “We will work with Dubai and Abu Dhabi air traffic control to ensure that our aircraft stay within the lanes already designated for helicopters,” Goel added.
Pilot Recruitment and Training
Archer Aviation recently signed an agreement with Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) to recruit and train pilots for its Midnight aircraft. The company plans to hire both Emirati and expatriate pilots, with the first group of candidates expected to begin training soon. The number of pilots to be hired will depend on the final fleet size, which will be determined in collaboration with EAT.
When asked about pilot qualifications, Goel explained that the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is currently setting the requirements for flying taxi pilots. As for salaries, while specifics are yet to be confirmed, Goel stated that compensation will align with the industry standards for commercial pilots operating small aircraft. According to Phoenix East Aviation, a US-based pilot training organization, the median annual salary for small non-jet aircraft pilots is around $85,000 (Dh311,950), although this can vary by country.
Launch Timeline and Safety Standards
Archer Aviation is in the final stages of obtaining certification, and the company is on track to launch its air taxi service by the end of 2025. “The reason I am confident in this timeline is due to the strong partnership with the GCAA, which has dedicated significant resources to help make this happen,” Goel said. The GCAA is following safety standards comparable to those of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US, ensuring the highest level of safety for passengers.
Goel emphasized that flying in the Midnight aircraft would be as safe as flying in any commercial airline, with safety measures governed by both the FAA and the GCAA. The aircraft is equipped with rotors and independent propellers, meaning they can operate separately from the batteries. This feature ensures that, in the event of an emergency, the aircraft can land safely on a rooftop or runway.
Archer expects to release the airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft by the end of this month, marking a significant step toward launching the service.
