Abu Dhabi Gears Up For Flying Taxis, Test Flights Set To Begin This Summer (image-X/GAManufactures)

Dubai is all set to revolutionise the public transportation system by introducing air taxis, which were slated to begin their services from 2026 onwards. However, the authorities have now cut short the wait. The company behind the ‘Midnight’ flying taxi has announced that testing of the taxis would begin from summer onwards. The company has said that they would make use of existing infrastructure such as helipads.

While speaking to Khaleej Times, Nikhil Goel, the Chief Commercial Officer at Archer Aviation, said that there are more than 70 helipads in Abu Dhabi and are planning to leverage the existing helipads and then add electrification to those facilities so they could launch the program as soon as possible and scale up rapidly with minimal capital.

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“This is in line with the company’s vision to create a scalable air taxi network that integrates with existing infrastructure, making aerial mobility as commonplace and affordable as hailing a car,” he added.

Goel has also confirmed that the test flights will begin this summer. During the tests, they would monitor the impact of extreme temperatures on the aircraft and within the cabin before the launch of its services in the capital.

“Our plan is to deliver the aircraft this summer. First, we are going to conduct test flights in remote areas (in Al Ain); and then, over time, we’ll bring the aircraft to urban areas before we put passengers inside and subsequently launch (flying taxi services) commercially here in Abu Dhabi,” added Goel.

If the launch becomes successful, Abu Dhabi would become the first city to operate flying taxis in the region. Goel has not given any information regarding when the flying taxis would become commercially operational in the UAE. However, he did assure that this would be a reality within months and would not have to wait years.

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As the initial step of the project, the flying taxi will operate as inter-Emirate flying taxis, which would later expand its services across all Emirates. Moreover, Archer’s CCO also said that they are simultaneously developing a flying taxi that will eventually be flown autonomously.