Archer, Etihad Partner for eVTOL Pilot Training

Archer Aviation Inc. an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Etihad Training that lays the groundwork for a partnership to recruit and train prospective pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi to fly aircraft across the UAE. The MOU was announced at the start of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Archer is showcasing its Midnight aircraft for the first time in the country.

“Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is a critically important part of our efforts to establish a thriving urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, and Etihad Training is the premier organization to partner with on this front,” said Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel. “As Etihad Training’s first eVTOL partner, we will commence a thoughtful recruiting process and begin to train the first class of qualified pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region.”

As part of the planned partnership, Archer intends to deliver a Midnight aircraft simulator later this year to be housed and staffed by Etihad Training at its training center in Abu Dhabi for research and development of pilot training competencies, to support the required regulatory certifications. Etihad Training will engage with the GCAA to establish appropriate pilot training requirements in the UAE all in support of safe and efficient operations of Archer’s aircraft.

Archer has been working with various entities within Abu Dhabi and Dubai to accelerate the operation of its air taxi services across the region.

In late April, Archer and ADIO signed an agreement that accelerates Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as early as next year. This includes in-country manufacturing, operations, and training across the region.