Just like in the Jetsons, travelers may soon be able to take a flying electric taxi from Abu Dhabi International Airport to their homes.

Abu Dhabi Airports signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Groupe ADP to establish grounds for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the emirate.

The MoU would allow examination of the possibilities of a novel approach to air travel that uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) planes to transfer passengers and cargo.

“This new system integrates flight technologies with transformational aircraft designs which utilize electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically, enabling sustainability in air transport for passengers and cargo,” said Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive officer at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Few airport operators, including Groupe ADP, are involved in every stage of the airport value chain, from upstream engineering studies and master planning to the commissioning and managing sophisticated infrastructure (terminals, runways, baggage sorting).

“With our hands-on experience in the Paris region today, and our deep understanding of the industry, its infrastructure, and operational challenges, we will be supporting Abu Dhabi Airports in laying the ground for AAM service implementation,” said Philippe Martinet, managing director at Groupe ADP Airport Services.

Electric air taxis are emerging as a new aviation business sector, with companies racing to develop, certify, and produce electric aircraft as part of attempts to revolutionize short-distance transport. 

Dubai, too, has acted on advancing its urban air mobility ambitions: electric aircraft startup Eve Holding, owned by Brazilian plane maker Embraer, and UAE-based charter flight operator Falcon Aviation Services planning for up to 35 flying taxis earlier this year. 

The alliance will launch the first eVTOL tourist flights from Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, with aircraft deliveries set to begin in 2026.

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