Electric Aircraft
Archer Aviation Tests Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi Extreme Conditions
Archer Aviation validates eVTOL performance in UAE summer heat, partners with Abu Dhabi regulators, and expands global air taxi deployments.
On July 2, 2025, Archer Aviation reached a pivotal milestone in the evolution of urban air mobility (UAM) with the successful test flight of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. This event, conducted under the harsh summer conditions of the UAE, signifies more than just a technical achievement, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable urban transport.
Backed by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and witnessed by top regulatory and aviation stakeholders including the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the flight validated the Midnight aircraft’s readiness for commercial deployment in the Middle East. As cities grapple with congestion, pollution, and outdated transport infrastructure, eVTOLs are emerging as a viable solution for short-haul, zero-emission mobility.
This test flight also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision to become a global leader in advanced air mobility. Through initiatives like the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, the city is positioning itself as a launchpad for next-generation transport technologies, offering both regulatory support and infrastructure investment to innovators like Archer.
The test flight was designed to evaluate Midnight’s performance under the UAE’s extreme summer conditions, temperatures exceeding 45°C, humidity levels above 70%, and significant airborne dust. These stressors are critical for assessing the aircraft’s battery thermal management and rotor efficiency in high-density air.
Midnight successfully completed a vertical takeoff, hover at 500 feet, transition to forward flight at 125 mph, and a controlled landing. Real-time telemetry from the aircraft matched pre-flight simulations, confirming the robustness of Archer’s computational fluid dynamics models. Chief Test Pilot Jeff Greenwood noted the “consistency between simulator and reality,” reinforcing confidence in the aircraft’s design and software systems.
This environmental validation is not just a technical checkbox, it’s foundational for the aircraft’s certification in hot-weather markets. The data gathered will influence maintenance schedules, battery derating protocols, and future design iterations tailored to desert climates.
“Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.” — Adam Goldstein, CEO, Archer Aviation
The GCAA’s involvement in the test flight underscores the regulatory momentum behind eVTOL integration in the UAE. Coinciding with the test, the GCAA announced the world’s first hybrid operations framework, allowing shared infrastructure between helicopters and eVTOLs. This regulatory innovation enables dual-use vertiports, reducing capital expenditure and accelerating deployment timelines.
Archer’s collaboration with Falcon Aviation to retrofit the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal’s helipad into a hybrid vertiport exemplifies this approach. The upgraded facility will feature dynamic charging systems, modular terminals, and AI-powered airspace management, repurposing 85% of existing infrastructure and cutting costs by 60% compared to greenfield builds. These developments position Abu Dhabi as a regulatory and infrastructural pioneer, setting a global precedent for eVTOL integration. The GCAA’s standards are already under review by international bodies like ICAO and aviation authorities in Singapore and the UK.
The test flight was witnessed by key stakeholders from ADIO, Abu Dhabi Airports, and the Integrated Transport Centre, signaling a unified front for UAM adoption. H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasized the flight’s role in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for transformative technologies.
Public demonstrations planned for Q4 2025 aim to build community trust by addressing concerns around noise, safety, and environmental impact. Midnight’s 45 dBA noise profile in forward flight is quieter than traditional helicopters, a crucial factor for urban acceptance.
These efforts highlight the importance of not just technological readiness, but also social license to operate. Community engagement will be key to the successful rollout of air taxi services in densely populated areas.
Archer’s collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) under the Launch Edition program represents a strategic model for commercial deployment. The partnership will see Midnight aircraft operating on short-haul routes between key landmarks like the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Archer is supplying the aircraft, pilots, and operational software, while ADA brings local aviation expertise and vertiport access. This public-private model reduces financial risk for Archer while accelerating market entry through established infrastructure and regulatory familiarity.
The program is supported by a memorandum of understanding with ADIO, though specific deployment figures have not been disclosed. Nonetheless, the framework sets a precedent for similar partnerships in other early-adopter markets.
Beyond Abu Dhabi, Archer is expanding its Launch Edition program to Ethiopia and Indonesia. In Ethiopia, a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines will facilitate airport shuttle services in Addis Ababa. In Indonesia, a deal with PT. IKN includes up to 50 Midnight aircraft, valued at an estimated $250 million. Each deployment follows a standardized playbook: localized training, phased route expansion, and regulatory collaboration. Archer retains revenue-sharing rights while partners handle ground operations, creating a scalable and capital-efficient growth model.
This approach allows Archer to penetrate diverse markets without the burden of building infrastructure from scratch, enabling rapid global scaling with localized customization.
In December 2024, Archer launched a defense division, securing $100 million in DoD funding to develop a hybrid-electric VTOL variant for military logistics and medevac missions. This version builds on Midnight’s core technology but incorporates hydrocarbon-fueled range extenders for 300+ mile missions.
CEO Adam Goldstein noted that defense demand was “substantially larger than originally expected,” prompting accelerated investment in battery and composite material R&D. This diversification not only expands Archer’s total addressable market but also provides a financial buffer against commercial certification delays.
By leveraging dual-use technology, Archer is positioning itself as a multi-sector mobility provider, capable of serving both civilian and military needs with a shared technological backbone.
Archer Aviation’s successful test flight in Abu Dhabi is more than a technical milestone, it’s a validation of a broader vision for sustainable, scalable urban air mobility. From regulatory alignment to infrastructure retrofitting and strategic partnerships, Archer is building a replicable model for eVTOL deployment in cities worldwide.
As the company moves toward commercial operations in 2026, Abu Dhabi will serve as a living laboratory for the global rollout of air taxi services. The lessons learned here, on technology, regulation, and public engagement, will shape the future of urban transportation not just in the UAE, but globally.
What is the Midnight aircraft? Why was the test flight in Abu Dhabi significant? When will commercial air taxi services begin? Who are Archer’s partners in the UAE? What makes Archer’s approach unique? Sources: Archer Newsroom, Image Source
Archer Aviation’s Midnight Test Flight in Abu Dhabi: A Leap Toward Urban Air Mobility
Operational Readiness in Extreme Conditions
Environmental Stress Testing
Regulatory and Infrastructure Synergies
Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
Launch Edition Program and Global Expansion
Abu Dhabi Aviation Partnership
International Deployment Strategy
Diversification into Defense
Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future of Urban Mobility
FAQ
Midnight is Archer Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed for short-haul urban flights of 20–50 miles with zero emissions and low noise.
The flight validated Midnight’s performance in extreme conditions, high heat, humidity, and dust, critical for certification and commercial deployment in the Middle East.
Archer aims to launch commercial services in Abu Dhabi by 2026, pending regulatory approvals and further flight testing.
Key partners include Abu Dhabi Aviation, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Falcon Aviation.
Archer focuses on retrofitting existing infrastructure, forming public-private partnerships, and targeting short-haul routes, offering a pragmatic and scalable model for urban air mobility.
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
Electric Aircraft
Pipistrel Velis Electro Secures First Electric Aircraft Safety Certification in Asia
Pipistrel’s Velis Electro receives South Korea’s first safety certification for electric aircraft, enabling commercial flight training in Asia.
This article is based on an official press release from Pipistrel.
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, has officially received the first safety certification for its Velis Electro aircraft in Asia, marking a pivotal moment for Electric-Aviation in the region. The Certification was issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of South Korea, clearing the way for the fully electric aircraft to enter commercial service in the country.
According to the company’s announcement on December 23, 2025, this approval represents the first time in South Korea’s 77-year aviation history that an electric aircraft has been certified for operation. The milestone underscores the growing global acceptance of electric propulsion in general aviation, particularly for flight training applications.
While the Velis Electro has been operating in Europe and other Western markets for several years, its entry into Asia opens a significant new frontier. The certification process was a collaborative effort involving TOFF MOBILITY, a local South Korean partner. TOFF MOBILITY took delivery of the first unit in 2024 and worked closely with regulators to conduct the necessary flight testing and data collection required to prove the aircraft’s safety profile.
Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement in a company statement:
“The approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of South Korea represents a landmark achievement for Pipistrel, signifying our pioneering introduction of electric aircraft technology into the Asian market… It significantly advances our mission to lead the charge in sustainable aviation, opening new doors for electric flight across the continent.”
The aircraft has been certified as a “Lightweight Aircraft” in South Korea, a classification aligned with its Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 600 kg (1,320 lbs).
We view this certification as a critical precedent for the Asia-Pacific aviation sector. South Korea is a market characterized by high population density and stringent noise regulations near urban centers. The Velis Electro’s ability to operate quietly, generating only 60 dBa, makes it uniquely suited for this environment. By securing this certification, South Korean regulators have effectively established a framework for future electric aircraft, signaling that the region is ready to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and sustainable flight technologies into its airspace.
The Velis Electro remains the world’s only commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft. Designed primarily for pilot training, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional piston-engine trainers. According to Pipistrel’s technical specifications, the aircraft features a liquid-cooled electric powertrain that drastically reduces the number of moving parts, thereby lowering maintenance costs and downtime. Key technical specifications confirmed by the Manufacturers include:
The aircraft’s battery system is designed with redundancy in mind. One pack is located in the nose and the other behind the cabin; if one system fails, the other is capable of sustaining flight, ensuring a high margin of Safety for student pilots.
This latest approval in South Korea adds to a growing list of regulatory bodies that have validated the Velis Electro’s airworthiness. The aircraft first made history in June 2020 when it received the world’s first type certification for an electric aircraft from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Since then, it has secured approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (2022) and an airworthiness exemption for Light-Sport Aircraft from the FAA in the United States (2024).
With the addition of South Korea in late 2025, Pipistrel has successfully expanded its regulatory footprint into three major continents, reinforcing its position as the industry leader in certified electric flight.
What is the primary use of the Velis Electro? How loud is the aircraft? Who is the local partner in South Korea? Sources: Pipistrel
Pipistrel Velis Electro Secures Historic First Safety Certification in Asia
Breaking New Ground in the Asian Market
AirPro News Analysis
Technical Profile: The Velis Electro
Global Certification Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft is designed primarily for flight training, specifically circuit training. Its low operating costs and quiet profile make it ideal for flight schools operating near residential areas.
The Velis Electro has a noise level of approximately 60 dBa, which is significantly quieter than traditional combustion-engine aircraft.
TOFF MOBILITY, a South Korean electric flight company, partnered with Pipistrel to facilitate the certification process and took delivery of the first aircraft in 2024.
Photo Credit: Pipistrel
Electric Aircraft
Vertical Aerospace Completes Final VX4 Prototype and Plans Hybrid Expansion
Vertical Aerospace finishes third VX4 prototype, doubles test capacity, and plans hybrid-electric retrofit targeting longer range in 2026.
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially announced the completion of its third and final full-scale VX4 prototype, a critical milestone intended to accelerate the company’s path toward Certification. According to a statement released on December 22, 2025, the new aircraft is scheduled to begin piloted flight testing in January 2026 following a brief commissioning phase.
The addition of this aircraft effectively doubles the Bristol-based manufacturer’s flight test capacity. By operating two identical full-scale prototypes simultaneously, Vertical Aerospace aims to increase the frequency of data gathering required for regulatory approval. This development comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its rebranded commercial production aircraft, and signaled a strategic expansion into hybrid-electric propulsion for defense and logistics markets.
The newly completed aircraft is a VX4 model, identical to the second prototype that has been undergoing rigorous testing in the UK. In November 2025, the existing prototype received its Permit to Fly and has since completed 10 piloted flights, successfully expanding the aircraft’s flight envelope. The primary role of this final prototype is to serve as a workhorse for validating aerodynamics, flight control software, and battery technologies.
According to the company’s announcement, the immediate schedule for the new unit involves post-production systems checks followed by a maiden piloted flight in January. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the importance of this addition to their fleet:
“As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test programme and maintaining momentum towards commercialization. Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”
While the immediate focus remains on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) certification, Vertical Aerospace is simultaneously broadening its technological scope. The company revealed that later in 2026, this final prototype will be retrofitted with a hybrid-electric propulsion system. This modification is designed to test long-range capabilities, with a target range of up to 1,000 miles, significantly higher than the ~100-mile range of the all-electric configuration.
This hybrid strategy targets the defense, logistics, and emergency medical services (EMS) sectors, where range and payload often outweigh the requirement for zero-emission short hops. The company projects a payload capacity of approximately 1,100 kg for this variant.
Vertical Aerospace has clarified the distinction between the testing hardware and the final commercial product. The aircraft currently flying, and the unit just completed, are VX4 prototypes. These utilize the original fuselage design and distributed battery packs to validate core systems.
In contrast, the commercial model, branded as Valo, features a redesigned fuselage, a V-tail with a tail wheel, and an under-floor liquid-cooled battery system. While the flying prototypes remain in the UK for technical validation, Vertical Aerospace plans to launch a US tour in January 2026, starting in New York City. This tour is expected to feature a full-scale static model of Valo to demonstrate the passenger experience to investors and partners. The expansion of the flight test program occurs against a backdrop of careful capital management. As of November 2025, Vertical Aerospace reported a cash position of approximately £89 million ($117 million). The company has stated this funding provides a runway through mid-2026, with a controlled net operating cash outflow guidance of $110–125 million for the 2025 fiscal year.
Key milestones for the upcoming year include:
The completion of a third prototype is a standard but vital step in aerospace certification; redundancy allows for parallel testing streams, one aircraft can focus on performance handling while the other tests system reliability or failure modes. However, the most significant revelation in this update is the concrete timeline for the hybrid-electric retrofit.
By targeting a 1,000-mile range with a hybrid variant, Vertical Aerospace is effectively hedging its bets. The pure-electric urban air mobility market is crowded and infrastructure-dependent. A hybrid variant opens immediate doors to military and cargo contracts that are less sensitive to noise and battery density constraints. With a cash runway extending only to mid-2026, demonstrating a viable hybrid technology later that year could be a decisive factor in securing the next tranche of necessary funding.
Vertical Aerospace Completes Final VX4 Prototype, Targets Hybrid Expansion in 2026
Accelerating the Path to Certification
Strategic Pivot: Hybrid Propulsion and the “Valo” Tour
Distinguishing Prototype from Product
Financial Outlook and Timeline
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Electric Aircraft
Jekta Unveils Scale Model of PHA-ZE 100 Electric Amphibious Aircraft
Jekta advances electric amphibious aircraft development with a 1:9 scale model undergoing flight tests ahead of 2030 service entry.
Swiss aerospace manufacturer Jekta has officially unveiled a 1:9 scale model of its PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft, Zero Emissions 100), marking a critical milestone in the development of its 19-passenger electric aviation amphibious aircraft. The announcement, made on December 11, 2025, confirms that the company has moved into active flight testing with the sub-scale demonstrator to validate its aerodynamic and hydrodynamic designs.
According to the company’s announcement, the remote-controlled model is currently undergoing flight campaigns in Italy. These tests are designed to gather real-world data that will be cross-referenced with computer simulations, ensuring the airframe is mature before the company proceeds to full-scale production. Jekta aims to reintroduce the utility of the “flying boat” to the global market, targeting an entry into service by 2030.
The newly unveiled model represents a significant engineering step for the Payerne-based company. While digital modeling provides a theoretical baseline, physical testing of the 1:9 scale model allows engineers to observe how the hull interacts with water during takeoff and landing, as well as how the distributed electric propulsion system performs in flight.
The testing is taking place near the base of Jekta’s Head of Design, Max Pinucci, in Italy. In a statement regarding the program’s progress, Jekta CEO George Alafinov emphasized the practical utility of the large-scale model:
“The 1:9 scale model is large enough to provide data representative of the full-size aircraft and is allowing us to efficiently expand the test envelope… ensuring the aircraft’s maturity as we work towards introducing it to the global air transport network in 2030.”
, George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta
The full-scale PHA-ZE 100 is designed to serve coastal communities, island nations, and regional routes that lack extensive airport infrastructure. By utilizing existing waterways and standard runways, the aircraft offers operational flexibility without the need for the expensive vertiports often required by eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) competitors.
According to technical details released by the manufacturer, the aircraft will feature: Jekta has outlined a dual-propulsion strategy to meet different market needs. The base model will utilize battery-electric technology, offering a range of approximately 150 km, suitable for short inter-island hops. However, through a partnership with ZeroAvia, Jekta is also developing a hydrogen fuel cell variant. This configuration is projected to quadruple the effective range to nearly 600 km, making regional connectivity viable for zero-emission operators.
Jekta’s progress highlights a growing sub-sector in sustainable aviation: the modernization of the amphibious aircraft. While the “Golden Age” of flying boats faded after World War II due to the rise of long runways and jet engines, the format solves a specific modern problem. Developing nations in Southeast Asia and archipelagos like the Maldives often struggle to build land-based runways due to ecological concerns or lack of space. The PHA-ZE 100’s ability to operate from water offers an “infrastructure-light” solution.
We note that Jekta faces competition in this niche, specifically from Norway’s Elfly Group, which is developing the 9-seat “Noemi,” and the US-based REGENT, which is building the “Viceroy” seaglider. However, Jekta’s 19-seat capacity places it in a larger utility class, potentially appealing to operators looking to replace aging Twin Otters or Cessna Caravans on over-water routes.
Jekta Advances Electric Amphibian Program with 1:9 Scale Model Unveiling
Flight Testing and Validation
PHA-ZE 100 Technical Specifications
Battery vs. Hydrogen Variants
AirPro News Analysis
The Return of the Flying Boat
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Jekta
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoUnited Airlines Stores Boeing 777s Over Engine Parts Shortage
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoRyanair Rejects Starlink Over Fuel Costs and Demand Concerns
-
MRO & Manufacturing6 days agoBombardier Announces CAD 100M Manufacturing Expansion in Dorval
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoNTSB Identifies Metal Fatigue in UPS Flight 2976 Crash Engine Mount
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoHorizon Aircraft Reports $24M Cash and 2026 Prototype Timeline