Archer Completes Initial eVTOL Test Flights in Abu Dhabi Desert

Archer Aviation successfully completed the initial test flight of its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a crucial step toward its planned commercial deployment in the UAE and broader Middle East expansion. The flight tested the aircraft’s vertical takeoff and landing capabilities under challenging UAE conditions, including high temperature, humidity, and dust exposure, with oversight from UAE regulatory authorities and regional partners. This milestone aligns with Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in advanced urban air mobility, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and government entities such as the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Archer plans to expand its flight-testing program in the region to gather additional data for certification and commercialization efforts in both the UAE and other key markets. Analysts express optimism about Archer’s future, assigning an average price target of $12.31, suggesting a potential upside of 22.7%, and an average broker recommendation rating of 'Outperform.' Archer’s progress in the UAE follows competitive developments in the region’s eVTOL market, including recent milestones by Joby Aviation in Dubai, indicating growing momentum toward commercial air taxi services.