Archer

California-based Archer Aviation Inc. designs and develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to make air travel more accessible, sustainable, and efficient. Archer leverages its proprietary data modeling technology, Prime Radiant, to identify optimal trip locations, costs, and customer experiences, enabling the development of transformative aerial rideshare technology. As of December 2024, Archer focused on creating electric aircraft with a carbon-neutral manufacturing process, emphasizing responsible material sourcing, renewable energy, and exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions and align with industry trends.

Archer’s core focus is “Archer UAM,” a direct-to-consumer service, where it would operate its own UAM ecosystem in major US cities, such as Los Angeles and Miami. Its secondary focus is “Archer Direct,” a business-to-business model, where it would sell a certain amount of its eVTOL aircraft to third parties.

In November 2022, Archer introduced Midnight, derived from the Maker prototype and designed for efficient, short trips. By June 2024, it received FAA Part 135 certification and performed a 100 mph unmanned flight. July 2024 saw approval for facility expansions in California and updates on the Georgia plant, set for late 2024 completion with a 650-aircraft annual capacity. In September 2024, Archer completed 402 test flights and prepared for FAA "for-credit" certification testing. Vertiport locations in Los Angeles were planned for 2026, with passenger flights targeted for 2027–2028 events.

Key customers and partnerships

In February 2021, Archer signed a Purchase Agreement with United Airlines for up to 200 aircraft, with an option for 100 more, followed by a USD 10 million pre-delivery payment in August 2022. In April 2022, the companies created an eVTOL advisory committee and announced an initial route between Newark and New York City. Archer signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA in January 2024 to study battery cell performance for its Midnight aircraft. In August 2024, Archer partnered with Future Flight Global for a ~USD 580 million purchase order for 116 Midnight aircraft and secured an Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force for six Midnight aircraft worth ~USD 142 million.

Archer partnered with Atlantic Aviation in January 2024 to establish sites for eVTOL operations across the US. In May 2024, Archer and InterGlobe Enterprises announced plans to launch flying taxi services in India by 2026, supported by a USD 1 billion purchase agreement for 200 eVTOL aircraft. 

Archer has partnered with REEF to identify suitable vertiport locations in high-traffic urban areas across the US using REEF's real estate network. In June 2024, Archer collaborated with Signature Aviation to gain access to urban takeoff and landing sites and with Kilroy Realty to set up a hub near San Francisco International Airport. In July 2024, the company joined hands with Southwest Airlines to co-develop eVTOL network operations in California, focusing on connecting regional airports and communities. In November 2024, Archer partnered with Soracle to expand eVTOL infrastructure in Japan.