Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR), a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has joined forces with Etihad Training.
The goal of the new partnership is to establish a pilot training program in Abu Dhabi. This collaborative effort aims to prepare a skilled workforce to fly Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
This becomes part of the move towards ushering in a new sector of urban air mobility across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The announcement perfectly timed its debut with the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It marked a significant moment, not only for the partnership, but also for Archer.
They have recently showcased their revolutionary Midnight aircraft for the first time in the Kingdom.
“Training a team of highly qualified pilots to operate our advanced eVTOL aircraft is an essential step in building a robust urban air mobility network across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE,” emphasized Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“We are confident that Etihad Training, a leader in pilot training, is the ideal partner to embark on this exciting journey with.”
Archer and Etihad Take to the Skies
The collaboration between Archer and Etihad Training holds immense significance. Etihad Training is already renowned for its exceptional pilot training programs. It will become the first organization to partner with Archer in the eVTOL space.
This partnership signifies a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce capable of operating Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
Captain Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Training, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting their eagerness to recruit and train the inaugural class of electric air taxi pilots specifically for Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
Etihad anticipate these pilots to be operational in Abu Dhabi as early as 2025. Additionally, Etihad Training plans to integrate a state-of-the-art Archer Midnight flight simulator into their training facilities later this year.
Developing the Training Curriculum
A crucial aspect of the partnership involves the provision of a Midnight aircraft simulator by Archer to Etihad Training.
This advanced simulator will be stationed and operated at Etihad’s training center in Abu Dhabi. It will serve as a vital tool for research and development. The ground simulator enables the creation of pilot training programs that meet the stringent regulatory requirements for eVTOL operations.
Etihad Training will collaborate with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other relevant authorities in the UAE to establish a robust pilot training curriculum. T
This will then pave the way for an integration of eVTOL technology into the UAE’s present airspace environment.
Urban Air Mobility in the UAE
Archer’s vision for the future of urban transportation is clear: to revolutionize the way people move within cities. Their electric air taxi services aim to provide a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional ground transportation.
Imagine replacing lengthy car commutes that can stretch to 60-90 minutes with quicker and quieter journeys of just 10-20 minutes.
This is the transformative potential Archer’s Midnight aircraft holds. Designed to accommodate four passengers, the Midnight is a piloted aircraft capable of performing back-to-back flights with minimal charging time in between.
The partnership between Archer and Etihad Training signifies a significant step forward not only for these two companies but also for the future of urban air mobility in the UAE.
The immediate focus will be on pilot training, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. This will then pave the way for a future where electric air taxis become a familiar sight in the skies above Abu Dhabi.
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