Archer Aviation, an NYSE-listed eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with Soracle, a joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, to launch advanced air mobility services in Japan.

As part of the partnership, Soracle has agreed to purchase up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft in a deal worth potentially USD 500 million, with plans to establish eVTOL networks in Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi, and Okinawa.

The partnership involves working with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau for necessary certifications, with plans to conduct a public flight demonstration at World Expo 2025 to build public support and demonstrate the future of aviation.

Analyst QuickTake: In August 2024 , Archer received a similar purchase order from Future Flight Global (FFG), an aerospace company that integrates advanced aviation with emerging technologies for up to 116 Midnight aircraft. The order was valued at ~USD 580 million. The two companies also launched air taxi services globally, collaborating with vertiport providers.