Hiring, training of pilots to begin soon

UAE air taxis

Archer Aviation, in collaboration with Etihad Aviation Training, is gearing up to hire and train pilots for operating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UAE. With the recruitment and training process underway, the launch of air taxi services in the country is edging closer to reality.

Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), based in Abu Dhabi, is renowned for offering comprehensive training programs for airport, pilot, and cabin crew personnel. Its extensive list of industry partners and customers includes leading airlines such as Etihad Airways, Wizz Air, AirArabia, flydubai, and Oman Air.

Archer Aviation's recent partnership with EAT marks a significant milestone in the advancement of urban air mobility in Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE. The company's flagship aircraft, the Midnight, is poised to revolutionize transportation by significantly reducing travel time from lengthy car commutes to swift air taxi flights lasting just 10-20 minutes.

The strategic investment received by Archer Aviation from Abu Dhabi underscores the commitment to foster innovation and develop cutting-edge transportation solutions in the region. The establishment of vertiports across critical locations in Abu Dhabi, coupled with the accelerated launch of commercial air taxi operations, reflects the shared vision to embrace sustainable and efficient modes of urban transportation.

Archer's Midnight aircraft, designed to accommodate four passengers and piloted by trained professionals, promises rapid and seamless travel experiences with minimal charge time between flights. By leveraging EAT's expertise and adhering to regulatory guidelines set forth by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other local authorities, Archer aims to ensure the safe and efficient operation of its air taxi services in the UAE.

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer Aviation, emphasized the significance of recruiting and training a skilled cadre of pilots to support the company's mission of establishing a robust urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and beyond. With meticulous planning and rigorous training, Archer is poised to introduce a new era of aerial transportation, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the UAE.

Captain Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Training, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Archer Aviation, highlighting their shared commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation. As they prepare to train the first cohort of electric air taxi pilots in Abu Dhabi, both companies are eager to contribute to the realization of a sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem in the UAE.