Abu Dhabi officials have confirmed an agreement for some production of Archer’s four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft to be manufactured in the emirate. The deal signed on December 6 between the U.S. manufacturer and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) also clears the way for the launch of eVTOL air taxi services.

Multiple other UAE stakeholders are set to contribute to the partnership, which is being structured by Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. These include Abu Dhabi Airports, Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Global Air Navigation Services, Global Aerospace Logistics, and Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre.

A signing event was held in Abu Dhabi in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bi Zayed Al Hahyan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. The parties said the agreement spells out specific responsibilities for the various partners, but they did not publish a timeline for the launch of eVTOL manufacturing and commercial flights. During November, GCAA officials traveled to California for a workshop with Archer to establish a regulatory framework for certifying Midnight in the UAE.

Helicopter operator Falcon Aviation Services is set to be the prime contractor for air taxi services. Etihad Aviation Training will take the lead in preparing eVTOL pilots for the venture.

“We are pleased to see leading members of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector collaborating with Archer to support the launch of air taxis in the emirate,” said ADIO director general Badr Al-Olama. “This partnership marks a major milestone in the efforts led by Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to accelerate smart and advanced mobility solutions, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart and autonomous vehicles.

In neighboring Dubai, Archer’s rival Joby Aviation appears to be in pole position in getting advanced air mobility established in that emirate. It has exclusive rights to operate air taxi services there for six years, and is working with local partners to prepare for operational launch.