Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services plans to introduce air taxi services in the UAE starting January 1, 2026, according to Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services.

In March 2024, US-based electric aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation, a UAE-based aviation services provider, signed an agreement to collaborate on vertiport infrastructure for key locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The partnership will see the development of advanced vertiport facilities at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, and the Marina Mall heliport on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. The two companies will offer passenger services using Archer’s Midnight flying car, providing a scenic 30-minute flight over water between the two vertiports.

Earlier this month, Archer Aviation announced the launch of its first commercial flying car flight in Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of 2026. Oberoi revealed during the Mebaa 2024 exhibition and conference in Dubai that trials of the Midnight flying car will begin in Al Ain in May 2025, lasting for 3-4 months before moving to Abu Dhabi. These trials will be conducted in hot and dusty conditions, following initial testing in California.

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are actively working to introduce this innovative mode of transport, initially as an experience but eventually becoming a necessity to address increasing road traffic congestion. Oberoi stated that flying taxis will initially operate within Abu Dhabi, with the goal of connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai by mid-2026. Plans also include connecting Dubai with Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain in the future.

Regarding recruitment, Oberoi noted that the company is taking a measured approach. "We are not planning to hire a large number of people. Some team members will come from the US, where they are already working on the project. We will also need ground operations staff for vertiports and additional engineering personnel," he said.

On the topic of airfare, Oberoi mentioned that negotiations are ongoing with partners and stakeholders. "I aim for a fare of Dh1,000 per passenger for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route. It may start higher initially, but the target price should be twice that of a taxi, not more. Within the city, the target fare is Dh300," he explained. He added that these figures are preliminary and subject to change.

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