Archer & UAE Regulator Establish Certification Pathway for Midnight Aircraft

The General Civil Aviation Authority transitions Archer’s electric air taxi into a Restricted Type Certificate program supporting commercial entry into service

Story and Image Credit: Olivia Hannam
www.aaminternational.com

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has transitioned Archer’s Midnight aircraft into a Restricted Type Certificate (RTC) program, advancing the regulatory pathway for the aircraft’s entry into service in the UAE.

This transition makes Archer the first eVTOL manufacturer to move to an RTC certification track with the GCAA, utilizing an airworthiness pathway aligned with international aviation frameworks. The program provides an established pathway for the aircraft to begin limited commercial operations while supporting long-term commercial viability within the UAE.

The move follows several years of technical collaboration between the regulator and the manufacturer. This partnership included multiple on-site inspections by GCAA experts at Archer’s headquarters and flight test facilities in the United States, alongside in-country flights with the Midnight aircraft. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office supported the initiative as part of its commitment to establishing Abu Dhabi as a leader in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster.

A cornerstone of this advanced regulatory phase is the initiation of a GCAA Design Organization Approval (DOA) and Production Organization Approval (POA). These designations signify a high degree of trust in Archer’s engineering and safety management systems. Through the RTC program, Archer and the GCAA have made progress across eight workstreams critical to commercial readiness, including aircraft certification, operations, maintenance, flight crew training, airspace, vertiports, security and oversight.

Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General, Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at GCAA, commented, “The GCAA is committed to safely integrating innovative aviation technologies into the UAE airspace.”

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, added, “The UAE has been one of the most forward-leaning markets in the world for advanced aviation, and the GCAA has been a strong, collaborative partner throughout this process. Advancing Midnight into this RTC program is a major step toward bringing electric air taxis to the UAE.”

Midnight is planned to enter service in Abu Dhabi with Abu Dhabi Aviation, Archer’s local operating partner and one of the region’s leading aviation companies.

Mahmood Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation, said, “This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi Aviation’s confidence in the UAE’s aviation ecosystem and Abu Dhabi’s readiness to embrace practical innovation. It reinforces our commitment to supporting the safe and responsible rollout of advanced air mobility systems, unlocking new opportunities for connectivity, operational efficiency and sustainable economic growth across the Emirate.”

… notes from SP

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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