UAE-based operator Air Chateau International plans to purchase up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft with an approximate value of $500 million. The deal, signed at the Dubai Airshow, provides for an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of $1 million by the end of this year.

Air Chateau plans to own and operate the Midnight aircraft across the Middle East region. The two companies will now work to formalise the definitive agreements covering the planned purchase over the coming months, with $4 million of additional pre-delivery payments to be paid following signing.

Air Chateau was the first private heliport operator company in the UAE to have its heliport and lounge terminal at the land side of Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International airport, Dubai Helipark and with multiple touch points across the UAE. It offers last mile services targeted at UHNWIs, including connectivity between airports, cities and strategic points and key attractions.

The relationship is intended to further strengthen Archer’s plans to commence air taxi operations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026. The parties intend to explore opportunities to bring in the infrastructure investment necessary for these cities to be ready for such planned operations.

”It was an honour hosting Air Chateau’s team at the Dubai Air Show 2023, during which they were able to touch, see and feel our aircraft as it headlined the show,” says Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “Their recognition that our Midnight aircraft meets what the customer demands in the UAE market, and their desire to secure the purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft, is another exciting validation of our efforts to bring to market an aircraft that will revolutionise how people move in and around cities.”

“This remarkable opportunity signifies the ongoing evolution of Air Chateau, heralding a transformative era in our industry,” adds chairman and founder Dr Samir Mohamed. “Since embarking on our journey two years ago into being an infrastructure provider for helicopters, today we stand at the precipice of realising our vision for the future of urban air mobility with eVTOLs in Dubai and across the UAE. The support of our visionary partners has been instrumental in our journey and, as we unveil this exciting chapter, we are privileged to share a collective vision. We are very grateful for having the opportunity to pave the way for the future of air mobility in Dubai with Archer.”

In October, as part of Archer’s plans to commence air taxi operations in the UAE in 2026, the OEM also laid out its intent to build an engineering centre of excellence to support the growing AAM industry in the UAE and across the Middle East, and to collaborate with local manufacturing companies and MRO providers in Abu Dhabi to spearhead the production of eVTOL aircraft. Abu Dhabi will be its first international launch partner for air taxi operations through Falcon Aviation, and the OEM will establish its first international HQ and manufacturing facilities in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry Cluster there.