Archer Aviation Soars Towards Urban Air Mobility Revolution

Archer Aviation, a pioneering startup in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry, is making remarkable progress towards revolutionizing urban transportation. With strategic partnerships, ambitious test flight plans, and a focus on safety and certification, Archer is positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly advancing field of urban air mobility.

Why this matters: The development of eVTOL aircraft has the potential to transform the way people move within cities, reducing congestion and emissions while increasing efficiency. As the urban air mobility market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, Archer's progress could have a major impact on the future of transportation and urban planning.

Founded in 2020, Archer Aviation has quickly gained momentum in its mission to "unlock the skies" and transform how people move within cities. The company has formed key partnerships with Stellantis, a leading automaker, and United Airlines, securing conditional orders of up to $1 billion for its eVTOL aircraft. These collaborations provide Archer with the expertise and resources necessary to accelerate the development and production of its innovative air taxis.

Archer and Stellantis are currently developing a state-of-the-artmanufacturing facilityin Georgia, with an annual production capacity of 650 aircraft. The facility is expected to commence production in 2025, marking a significant milestone in Archer's journey towards commercialization. United Airlines, a major investor in Archer, plans to launch the company's electric air taxi service in several of its key hubs, including New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Archer's flagship eVTOL aircraft, named Midnight, is at the forefront of the company's efforts to disrupt urban transportation. The aircraft is designed for efficient winged flight and can recharge in just 12 minutes between trips. With a range optimized for flights between city centers and airports, taking around 10-20 minutes, Midnight aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional helicopters. Archer has already received orders for up to 700 aircraft, representing approximately $3.5 billion in potential revenue.

Safety and certificationare paramount in Archer's journey towards commercial operations. The company has made a strategic hire in Billy Nolen, the former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as its chief safety officer. Nolen's appointment brings decades of flight experience and invaluable insights into the FAA's certification process for eVTOL aircraft. Archer is preparing for for-credit testing with the FAA, expected to begin later this year, and aims to conduct 400 test flights in 2024 as part of its certification process.

Archer Aviation's progress in the eVTOL space is a testament to the rapid advancements in urban air mobility. With its cutting-edge aircraft, strategic partnerships, and focus on safety and certification, the company is well-positioned torevolutionize transportationin cities around the world. As the urban air mobility market is expected to grow to over $23 billion by 2035, Archer's innovative approach and commitment to sustainable transportation solutions make it a company to watch in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• Archer Aviation is developing eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility, reducing congestion and emissions.
• Partnerships with Stellantis and United Airlines secure $1 billion in conditional orders and expertise.
• Midnight, Archer's flagship eVTOL, has a 10-20 minute range and recharges in 12 minutes.
• Archer aims for 400 test flights in 2024 and has hired a former FAA head as chief safety officer.
• The urban air mobility market is expected to grow to $23 billion by 2035, with Archer well-positioned to lead.