Cabbing between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to go Skyward!
Archer Aviation and Etihad Training to join forces in UAE’s fantastic new project.
For future commuting between Dubai and Abu Dhabi the sky is the limit. Quite literally. Yes, within a few months time, air taxis to and from the UAE’s prime financial emirates is going to be a regular feature. What’s more the travel duration by these airborne vehicles will cut the commuting time from between 60 to 90 minutes to a mere 10 to 20! Indeed, the time-distance ratio is going to be skewed in favour of the “jet-setting” local businessman and well as less affluent residents who are in a hurry.
Plans are already in motion to realise this futuristic ambition. U.S.-based Archer Aviation has signed up to collaborate with the UAE’s Etihad Training. The former will provide specimens of its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, while the latter will woo and train aspiring taxi pilots. So, just how will this be done? Well, Archer Aviation is providing a sophisticated video-game type training simulator called “Midnight” to help impart trainees with the necessary skills. Etihad Training will house this system and conduct classes accordingly.
Etihad is all set to partner with UAE Aviation Regulator GCAA toward establishing the specifications, regulations and guidelines for the student pilots. Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel optimistically states that the project is intent on “training a fleet of pilots... to establish a thriving air mobility network.” What’s more, Goel’s company assures that the service will be at affordable prices, hazard-free, relatively noiseless and sustainable. It looks like a new mode of transport is just about to... take off.
