Archer Aviation Partners With Starlink to Bring High-Speed Internet to eVTOL Air Taxis Ahead of UAE Launch
California/Abu Dhabi — US-based electric aircraft developer Archer Aviation has entered into a strategic technology partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink, designed to bring high-speed, low-latency connectivity to its next-generation air taxi fleet in a move that could redefine the passenger experience in urban air mobility. This collaboration comes as the company gears up to launch commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services in the United Arab Emirates in 2026, marking a significant step in the development of urban air mobility infrastructure in the region and positioning Archer as a leader in connected aviation.
Under the terms of the agreement, Archer will install Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication system aboard its Midnight electric air taxis and conduct a series of tests to evaluate performance during flight operations in real-world conditions. This satellite-based system, distinct from traditional aircraft internet solutions that rely on ground-based towers or high-orbit satellites with significant latency, is engineered to deliver high-bandwidth internet with minimal latency even at relatively low altitudes — a critical advantage for air taxis flying in and around dense urban environments where connectivity has historically been challenging.
Connectivity for Passengers and Operations
One of the key outcomes of the partnership will be passenger internet access, transforming what could be downtime into productive or entertaining flight time. Riders aboard Midnight aircraft will be able to enjoy fast, stable connectivity throughout their journeys, which Archer envisions will slash typical city commute times from an hour or more by car to just 5–15 minutes by air taxi, making every minute count.
Beyond entertainment and communications for passengers, the Starlink integration also aims to support critical operational data flows, strengthening real-time communications between pilots, onboard systems, and engineering teams on the ground for enhanced safety and efficiency. This real-time data exchange will allow for continuous monitoring of aircraft performance, predictive maintenance, and rapid response to any issues that arise during flight.
According to Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein, connectivity is an essential feature for the Midnight platform, not just an add-on amenity. He emphasized that Starlink’s network is especially suited for this emerging aviation category and will play a key role in both passenger experience and flight operations as the industry scales.
Looking further ahead, both companies have expressed interest in exploring connectivity solutions that could support the eventual development of autonomous flight capabilities, where reliable, high-speed links between aircraft and control systems will be even more critical for safety and coordination.
Strategic Move Ahead of UAE Commercial Rollout
The partnership comes as Archer continues to prepare for the planned commercial launch of its eVTOL services in the UAE next year, a market that has embraced advanced air mobility. The company has been working in collaboration with local partners, including Abu Dhabi Aviation and regulatory authorities, to lay the groundwork for its Launch Edition program — a pre-commercial deployment designed to demonstrate operational readiness and build momentum ahead of broader service rollout across the Emirates.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted aircraft that can carry up to four passengers and is built with multiple redundant propulsion systems to target safety standards comparable with conventional commercial aviation, addressing a key concern for public acceptance. The use of electric propulsion and vertical take-off and landing capabilities aims to reduce emissions, noise, and travel time compared with traditional helicopter services, making it environmentally sustainable.
Last year, Midnight completed one of its longest piloted test flights to date, covering roughly 55 miles in just over half an hour at speeds exceeding 126 mph during a trial run in Salinas, California, demonstrating the aircraft’s real-world capabilities. These milestones are part of Archer’s broader development program as it seeks certification and operational approval from aviation authorities around the world, including the US Federal Aviation Administration and UAE regulators.
What This Means for Urban Air Mobility
Starlink’s entry into the advanced air mobility sector underscores the growing importance of robust, aircraft-optimized connectivity solutions as new kinds of aerial transport emerge and scale. Unlike conventional in-flight Wi-Fi systems that struggle with coverage gaps at lower altitudes or in city environments where ground signals are blocked, Starlink’s constellation of low-orbit satellites is engineered to offer more seamless, reliable connections regardless of altitude or terrain.
This capability could be a strong enabler for both passenger amenities and future autonomous operation technologies, making air taxis not just convenient but also well-connected. For the UAE, which has been rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in cutting-edge aviation and transportation technologies, this partnership adds another layer of innovation to its air taxi ambitions and reinforces its reputation as a testbed for future mobility.
As companies like Archer advance toward commercial service launches in cities such as Abu Dhabi and potentially Dubai, these technological collaborations will be crucial to delivering safe, efficient, and connected aerial mobility experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
The Archer-Starlink partnership represents a significant step forward for the eVTOL industry, demonstrating that passenger experience and operational connectivity are priorities from the start. As Midnight prepares to take to UAE skies, passengers can look forward to more than just a quick trip — they’ll stay connected every minute of the flight.
Archer + Starlink = Connected air taxis. Coming to UAE skies in 2026.
