Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi plans UAE’s first hospital-based vertiport

ABU DHABI - Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi announced plans to establish the United Arab Emirates’ first hospital-based vertiport in partnership with Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:ACHR), according to a press release issued Wednesday. Archer, whose stock has surged over 300% in the past year according to InvestingPro data, currently maintains a market capitalization of $8.05 billion and shows strong liquidity with a current ratio of 22.3.

The planned facility will upgrade the hospital’s existing helipad to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft under the General Civil Aviation Authority’s hybrid conversion framework. InvestingPro analysis reveals Archer maintains a healthy balance sheet with more cash than debt, positioning it well for such infrastructure investments.

The vertiport aims to enable passengers to travel to and from the hospital in minutes, significantly reducing travel times compared to ground transportation. The companies are exploring both non-emergency passenger transport and time-critical organ delivery using Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which can carry up to four passengers.

"This partnership showcases the breadth of Archer’s network vision - connecting not just places, but pillars of life in Abu Dhabi," said Bryan Bernhard, Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer at Archer.

This development follows Archer’s first hybrid vertiport approval at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal earlier this year, expanding the company’s planned network across the capital.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, noted that the emission-free transport option aligns with the hospital’s sustainability commitments while providing additional access options for patients and supporting the facility’s organ transplant program.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, is a 405-bed multispecialty hospital that serves as an extension of the U.S.-based Cleveland Clinic. The hospital is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025.

The project represents another step in Archer’s strategy to convert existing helipads into certified vertiports across Abu Dhabi, supporting the emirate’s vision for advanced air mobility. While the company’s stock shows significant momentum with a 27% gain in the past week, InvestingPro subscribers can access 10+ additional exclusive insights and a comprehensive Pro Research Report, providing deeper analysis of Archer’s growth trajectory and financial health metrics.

In other recent news, Archer Aviation Inc. announced that its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft achieved a significant milestone by reaching an altitude of 7,000 feet during a test flight. This flight was part of the company’s ongoing envelope expansion testing program conducted at their facility in Salinas, California. The piloted aircraft covered 55 miles in a separate test, reaching speeds over 126 mph, marking its longest piloted journey to date. Archer Aviation is also exploring participation in the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which involves collaboration with United Airlines and various cities for supervised trial operations. Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated its Overweight rating on Archer Aviation, maintaining a price target of $13.00, following these developments. The firm’s positive outlook is influenced by Archer’s continued progress and potential participation in the eIPP. These recent developments highlight Archer Aviation’s ongoing advancements in the eVTOL sector.

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