4th most read news item of 2025: Archer unveils Midnight Launch Edition

Archer Aviation announced a “Launch Edition” commercialization program for its Midnight aircraft. The goal of this program is to establish a pragmatic and repeatable commercialization playbook to deploy Midnight in dozens of early adopter markets in advance of type certification of the aircraft by the FAA.

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) is Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, with plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year. Archer personnel will now work together with Abu Dhabi Aviation to fly Midnight in the country in the coming months, targeting a passenger flight in Abu Dhabi later this year. The two will also collaborate across pilot training, flight operations, and community engagement.

In addition to the Launch Edition aircraft, Archer plans to provide ADA with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial operational ramp, helping ensure a safe and efficient deployment. Archer also plans to provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking application to help power urban air mobility operations during the Launch Edition program.

The partnership between Archer and Abu Dhabi Aviation was formalized during a signing ceremony alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, where Abu Dhabi Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding setting forth a framework to fund the deployment of the Midnight Launch Edition aircraft.

Learn more about the plans to bring Archer’s eVTOL technology to the UAE.