Archer Appoints UAE Lead to Launch Air Taxis

Archer Aviation has appointed Dr. Talib Alhinai to spearhead the planned launch of its electric air taxis in the region, with services expected to start next year By Joe Macey / 13 Nov 2024
Archer hires UAE leader
Follow AAMi

Dr. Talib Alhinai has been appointed as Archer Aviation’s UAE Lead and will be responsible for spearheading the planned launch of Archer’s electric air taxis in the region.

Dr. Alhinai, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the GCAA, the UAE’s aviation regulator, will be critical in helping to guide the consortium led by ADIO that Archer recently announced as part of its Q3 ’24 results. Through this consortium, Archer has already made significant progress in establishing the regulatory pathway, infrastructure and flight operations plans necessary to enable market entry as early as late next year.

Prior to Archer, Alhinai served as Director of Strategy at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, a supervisory body reporting to the Executive Council under the command of the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, where he worked on the emirate’s long-term strategic planning and performance review.

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi.

Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, said; “As a leader who worked to advance Abu Dhabi’s strategic and executive plans in the service of its Executive Council led by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Dr. Alhinai will be instrumental as we work towards our launch across the UAE, starting in Abu Dhabi as soon as next year.

“His background in aerial robotics and his expertise in aviation and national policy will help accelerate our launch of air taxi services in the region.”

Dr. Talib Alhinai commented; “The UAE is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis and it is a cornerstone of Archer’s commercial launch plans. I’m proud to be joining to support their growth in the region. The team is talented, the tech is impressive, and we’ve got a big year ahead of us — I’m excited to dig in.”

Alhinai also held roles at McKinsey & Company across several international markets, with experience in high-growth tech, sustainability and advanced air mobility. Alhinai holds a Ph.D. in Aerial Robotics from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Manchester.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

SkyDrive Demonstrates eVTOL Flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka

SkyDrive has conducted successful SKYDRIVE SD-05 demonstration flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka between July 31 and August 24, and will continue public demonstrations from Osakako Vertiport in September

Aug 29, 2025
New Approaches to Confine eVTOL Outwash in Urban Vertiport Sites

Peniel Infrastructure introduces modular outwash mitigation systems that enable safe, space-efficient urban vertiports, overcoming FAA-defined airflow challenges that hinder viable UAM deployment

Aug 29, 2025
FlyNow to Showcase Fully Electric eVTOL at Saudi Drone Exhibition 2025

FlyNow Arabia will showcase its modular eCopter at the Saudi Drone Exhibition 2025, highlighting its prototype, technology demonstrations, and panel participation

Aug 27, 2025
SkyDrive–Whitesky Alliance to Advance Indonesian eVTOL Operations

SkyDrive is partnering with PT Whitesky Aviation (Whitesky) to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft in Indonesia and explore business models that can transform both urban and industrial mobility

Aug 26, 2025
Archer Conducts Longest Piloted Flight with Midnight eVTOL

Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft completed its longest piloted flight, 55 miles in 31 minutes, marking a major milestone toward FAA certification and commercialization

Aug 22, 2025
First Piloted eVTOL Airport-to-Airport Flight Completed by Joby

Joby has successfully operated with other aircraft in FAA-controlled airspace by completing its first flight between two U.S. airports, Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY), California

Aug 21, 2025