Archer Aviation has announced that it wants to build 250 battery-electric air taxis in 2025. The plan is to get its aircraft certified by the end of 2025 and thereafter scale up production. In an interview with Reuters, CEO Adam Goldstein said, “In our first year, we will build 250 aircraft, our second year will build 500 aircraft, our third year will build 650 aircraft and then we scale it up to around 2,000 aircraft per year.”
According to Reuters, the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) sector is backed by established companies such as Toyota Motor Corp and Delta Air Lines, but some challenges are still pending linked relating to certification, developing a suitable air traffic management system, battery technology improvements, among others. In May, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was modifying its regulatory approach in certifying eVTOLs by defining them as powered-lift aircraft rather than small airplanes. This in turn led to concerns over potential certification delays. Archer shares haven fallen 54% so far this year
Archer’s goal is to build a commercially viable business that will revolutionize intra-city travel.
Adam Goldstein, CEO Archer
On October 13th, Archer announced the date for the unveiling Midnight, the company’s first production eVTOL aircraft, which will take place at an Open House event on November 16th. The event will provide further details on the aircraft’s specifications and capabilities, including its proprietary electric powertrain system, as well as the company’s progress towards FAA certification of the Midnight aircraft.
In August of this year Archer first announced Midnight, following the successful completion of the aircraft’s Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The PDR covered all aspects of the aircraft’s specifications and manufacturing requirements, necessary pre-conditions for determinations that the design is feasible for regulatory compliance and viable to bring to market. Midnight is expected to have a payload of 1,000+ pounds, which supports four passengers and a pilot, and a charging turnaround time of approximately 10 minutes for the company’s target flights, enabling Archer’s UAM network operating model.
In August 2022, United Airlines made a $10m pre-delivery payment for 100 of the Midnight aircraft, further signaling the carrier’s confidence in the aircraft’s development. In addition to announcements around Midnight’s technical capabilities, attendees of the Open House will have the opportunity to view a test flight of the company’s full-scale technology demonstrator at Archer’s flight test facility.
“From day one, Archer’s goal has been to build a commercially viable business that will revolutionize intra-city travel. We’ve made phenomenal progress in the development of our eVTOL aircraft technology and I am excited to share the aircraft that will deliver on that vision as part of our Open House event” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO.
Partners participating in the event will include United Airlines, as well as global automotive manufacturer, Stellantis, who has been working with Archer since early in their eVTOL aircraft’s development, and are a key partner in Archer’s plans to achieve manufacturing at scale for its aircraft.
“Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of our mission,” said Tom Muniz, Archer’s Chief Operating Officer. “Delivering a safe, sustainable revolution in air travel will take our collective vision and expertise, and I can’t wait to stand alongside the Archer team next month to share how together we are bringing our long-term plans to life.”
