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Archer Aviation inks MOU for $500 million with Air Chateau

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft maker Archer Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UAE-based private aviation operator Air Chateau International DWC LLC for Air Chateau to buy up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

The aircraft in the deal have an approximate value of US$500 million, Archer officials said in a Nov. 16 news release, with an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of US$1 million due by Dec 31, 2023.

Air Chateau – which plans to own and operate the Midnight eVTOLs in the region – is said to be 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.

Air Chateau’s operations offer last-mile services targeted at ultra-high net worth individuals, including connectivity between airports, cities, and strategic points and key attractions, Archer said.

The Air Chateau deal is part of San Jose, Calif.-based Archer’s plans to expand its activities in the UAE. In October, as part of the company’s announcement of its plans to commence air taxi operations in the UAE in 2026, Archer also laid out its intent to build an engineering Center of Excellence to support the growing advanced air mobility industry in the UAE and across the Middle East. The firm also plans to collaborate with local manufacturing companies and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers in Abu Dhabi to spearhead the production of eVTOL aircraft.