At the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Archer Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for up to 100 of its eVTOL aircraft with a UAE-based private helicopter service company.
Under the agreement, announced on November 16, 2023, Air Chateau International plans to purchase multiple models of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL to add to its existing private heliport operator service.
The deal is valued at $500 million and includes an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of $1 million due by December 31, 2023.
“The two companies will now work to formalize the definitive agreements covering the planned purchase over the coming months, with $4 million of additional pre-delivery payments contemplated to be paid following signing,” Archer said in a statement.
Air Chateau was the first private heliport operator company in the UAE to establish a heliport and lounge terminal at the land side of Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). It has subsequently built multiple touch points across the state.
Its operations are targeted at ultra-high net worth individuals who need to be connected between the UAE’s airports, cities and key attractions.
“It was an honor 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,” Archer Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein said. “Their recognition that our Midnight aircraft meets what the customer demands in the UAE market and 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 revolutionize how people move in and around cities.”
This burgeoning relationship should further strengthen Archer’s recently announced plans to commence air taxi operations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026.
Dr. Samir Mohamed, Chairman and Founder of Air Chateau said: “This remarkable opportunity signifies the ongoing evolution of Air Chateau, heralding a transformative era in our industry. Embarking on our journey into being an infrastructure provider two years ago for helicopters, today we stand at the precipice of realizing our vision for the future of urban air mobility with eVTOLs in Dubai and across the UAE.”
Dr. Mohamed added: “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.”