Archer completes 400 test flights this year

Four months ahead of schedule

Archer Aviation has confirmed it has passed the 400 test flights mark thus far this year, approximately four months ahead of schedule.

The 402 flights were conducted over the last eight months as the company ramps up flight test operations in advance of for-credit flight testing with the FAA.

Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer said, “When we first set our goal for 400 flights this year it was viewed as aggressive, but here we are in August already knocking it out. I’m proud of the Archer flight test team and the supporting groups that made it happen.”

Each flight produces critical data that Archer’s teams use to evaluate and refine aircraft loads, vibrations, performance and handling qualities.

Most recently, the Archer flight test team has focused on five key testing areas:

Transition Flights: Continuing to conduct longer-distance and higher-speed transition flights to gather data, extend endurance and ensure maximum safety.

High-Rate Operations: Increasing per-day flights to simulate the high cadence of Archer’s anticipated commercial operations and test Midnight’s durability.

Advancing Landing Profiles: Completing a series of hover landings in various wind conditions with different rates of descent and flare heights to expand Midnight’s wind envelope and further optimize its landing profile.

Enhancing Acoustic Measurement: Conducting a series of hover operations with various microphone arrays to collect supplemental data for the FAA and to further evaluate and tune Midnight’s noise signature.

Optimizing Control Laws: Regressing through the envelope with a series of optimizations made to the control laws which will extend Midnight’s endurance.

SkyDrive and Osaka Metro sign agreement to work towards social implementation of eVTOL after the EXPO 2025

SkyDrive Inc, a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer confirmed it has signed an agreement with Osaka Metro Co. to study the feasibility of using eVTOL in the Osaka area after the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. In addition, Osaka Metro has invested in SkyDrive for continued development.

SkyDrive's mission is "taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution," and its vision is to create a future where everyone uses eVTOLs for daily transportation in Japan and across the world. SkyDrive was selected to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility "Smart Mobility Expo" Project in 2025.

Osaka Metro operates eight subway lines and one New Tram, which is an automated, driverless tram. Each day, around 2.4 million passengers use the Osaka Metro rapid transit system. The company is also advancing an urban Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) concept called "e METRO," which integrates various modes of transport, including subways, buses, and taxis, to make Osaka city more convenient. In February 2024, Osaka Metro was selected as an operator of a vertiport outside the Expo site in Osaka.

Archer Delivers First Midnight Aircraft To The United States Air Force

Archer Aviation Inc. confirmed this week that it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the USAF to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142M*.

The delivery comes after the U.S. Department of Defense accepted Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment, a critical approval that confirms Midnight’s readiness for flight testing by AFWERX. This allows AFWERX to conduct government-directed testing of the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and validate operational and military-specific mission concepts.

A team of USAF personnel worked alongside Archer’s flight test team to ramp up operations with Midnight at Salinas. Together, these teams executed simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights.

"This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation," said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. "Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology."

"Archer's Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities," said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. "We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission."

With its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, proprietary electric powertrain and low noise profile, Archer's Midnight aircraft is well-suited for military aviation operations.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a much safer, cost-effective and quieter alternative to existing internal combustion engine options. As such, it holds the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles.

*The “up to” contract value is subject to certain conditions being met as defined in the contracts.

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Ready to open up Paris.....Volocopter conducts its first eVTOL flight at the Palace of Versailles

Volocopter, a pioneer of sustainable air mobility, conducted the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight test within the premises of the World Heritage Palace of Versailles. This unprecedented flight marks the conclusion of this summer’s multi-day operational validation test campaign at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole and Versailles. Volocopter and its partners aspire to return to Paris later in the year to fly our eVTOL aircraft in central Paris. 

As dawn broke over Versailles, Volocopter’s aircraft took flight in front of the iconic backdrop of the Grand Trianon and its surrounding gardens. The flight was celebrated onsite with the company’s longstanding Parisian partners Groupe ADP and the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), who worked relentlessly to orchestrate this successful flight. The successful execution of this flight reinforces the ultimate attestation of trust in the safety of the aircraft and the Volocopter brand from the French and European aviation authorities, partners, and guests who have witnessed our countless flights around the world.

Dirk Hoke, CEO of Volocopter said: "I am elated with the dedication and professionalism of the Volocopter team who spent months to get where we are today. Every new location and flight take tremendous effort from us, our partners, and authorities. The sustainable air mobility community is still at the start line, but today’s flight in this exceptional environment was the perfect closing ceremony to our summer, as we look forward to returning to Paris very soon."

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Archer unveils plans for an air taxi network in Los Angeles....

Archer plans to launch the network in Los Angeles to replace one-to-two-hour drives with 10-20 minute electric flights

Archer’s planned network includes take-off and landing locations at Los Angeles International Airport, University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys

Archer Aviation has released plans to launch a Los Angeles air mobility network as early as 2026 that will change how Southern California residents and visitors commute, travel and spend their free time.

The goal is for passengers to be able to go to a nearby vertiport, or vertical take-off and landing location, and then fly 10-20 minutes in Archer’s Midnight aircraft to their destination of choice within the network—saving hours versus sitting in traffic.

Archer’s planned network includes vertiports at key locations such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys. Archer’s goal is to begin its LA network operations by as early as 2026.

As part of its network planning, Archer is coordinating with the Los Angeles Rams to collaborate on potential exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and at Hollywood Park, the near 300-acre district centered around the 3.1 million square-foot SoFi Stadium.

The University of Southern California is also engaged to be part of Archer’s planned LA network. Over the next two years, Archer and USC will develop plans for converting USC’s existing heliports for Midnight and other vertical take off and landing aircraft. USC’s ultimate goal is to offer visitors an easy, quick and sustainable way to get to and from its campus, sports facilities and hospitals in the future.

“This is a big moment for Archer. Establishing our LA network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next four years is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer. “LA is known for its horrendous traffic—our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option.”

Midnight, Archer’s piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft, will play a crucial role in this network. Midnight is designed to offer passengers a sustainable, low-noise, and safe alternative to ground transportation:

Travels at speeds up to 150 mph, turning hour-long ground commutes into minutes in the air

Designed for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in between

100x quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitudes

Redundant systems across the aircraft allowing Archer to target similar levels of safety as commercial airliners

Designed to carry a pilot, up to four passengers and carry-on luggage

Governor Gavin Newsom commented, “California is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges. Homegrown companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California cut pollution, clean our air and reduce traffic.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s game-changing technology to Hollywood Park,” said Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. “This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.”

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Joby rolls out its 3rd aircraft off the production line

Joby Aviation, the next-generation aviation company, has announced it has rolled its third production prototype aircraft off the company’s pilot production line in Marina, CA, with four aircraft expected to be in active flight test during the next quarter. 

The news came as the company issued its Second Quarter 2024 Shareholder Letter, detailing the Company’s operational and financial results for the period ending June 30, 2024. 

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights:

Production Ramp-Up. We expect to have four aircraft in active flight test during the next quarter, with the second production prototype now in flight test and the third having rolled off the production line.

Certification Progress. The fourth of five stages of type certification is now 37% complete on the Joby side, with numerous test plans submitted and accepted during the quarter. We expect progress in the fourth stage to accelerate in the remainder of 2024.

International Expansion. We applied for certification in Australia and signed a memorandum of understanding with Mukamalah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco and operator of the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft, to introduce our aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via direct sales.

Future Technologies. We flew a first-of-its-kind, hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator 561 miles and acquired the autonomy division of Xwing, an industry leader in the development of autonomous technology for aviation.

Strong Financial Foundation. We maintained a strong balance sheet with $825 million in cash and short-term investments at the end of the second quarter.

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Joby applies for certification in Australia

Joby Aviation has formally applied for its revolutionary aircraft to be certified for use in Australia, the company confirmed this week. The application to Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”) for the validation of an FAA (“Federal Aviation Administration”) type certification builds on a bi-lateral agreement between the U.S. regulator and CASA, and it lays the groundwork for the introduction of quiet, emissions-free air taxis in Australia.

“We’re incredibly excited about the potential for air taxis to offer new and more sustainable ways to travel around Australia’s global cities,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “With commercial powered-lift operations already considered in CASA's regulatory frameworks, we’re pleased to be working with Australian authorities using a regulatory path to market that is actively being pursued by numerous countries around the world.”

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.

New VX4 prototype completes first tethered piloted flight

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation, has seen its latest VX4 prototype perform its first tethered piloted flight as it begins the “wheels up” phase of testing.

This VX4 performed a piloted flight while loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.

The tethered piloted flight took place after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had issued Vertical with a Permit to Fly for its VX4 prototype, having rigorously evaluated the engineering, design, test data and aircraft, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme of the aircraft.

Vertical must submit documentation to the CAA to move through each flight phase, including extensive, detailed documentation covering every aspect from safety protocols and engineering specifications to operational procedures.

Supernal and Sigma Air Mobility Collaborate on AAM Market Development

Supernal LLC – Hyundai Motor Group's (HMG) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company – and Sigma Air Mobility – a Luxaviation Group company – today announced a joint effort to identify and develop targeted markets for future AAM infrastructure and investments, targeting key markets in South and Southeast Asia and potential opportunities in Southern Europe. The collaboration is intended to leverage the companies' combined expertise to lead in the visioning, launch and scale-up of decarbonized and accessible air mobility networks in these regions, with Sigma operating Supernal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and providing vertiport development and operations and related services.

Announced at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, the partnership unites Supernal and HMG's expertise in eVTOL design and manufacturing with Sigma and Luxaviation Group's global presence and extensive expertise in aviation fleet and infrastructure operations, training and technical services. Together the two parent companies operate in more than 60 countries, with HMG's global presence in 42 countries and Luxaviation operating in 23.

Supernal is reimagining intra-city mobility through the creation of an eVTOL vehicle that will travel 60 miles and cruise at 120 miles-per-hour to meet the growing demand for efficient transportation options in urban environments. Supernal is displaying S-A2, its full-scale eVTOL vehicle product concept, at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. Supernal will achieve commercial aviation safety levels and enable scalable manufacturing of its vehicles, aligning its development timeline with the broader ecosystem to enable operators to enter the market in 2028.

Saudi Arabia's roadmap to air mobility inked......

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVOTL) manufacturer Lilium have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Farnborough International Airshow to support GACA’s development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions in the Kingdom.

The agreement further strengthens GACA’s engagement with global companies to bring new aviation mobility solutions to Saudi Arabia. GACA is working across the industry to ensure Saudi Arabia has a set of regulations that encourages growth, ensures the highest levels of safety and puts the passenger first. 

His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, said  “This agreement reflects GACA’s commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions for Saudi Arabia, in support of Vision 2030.

By working with global advanced air mobility companies, we aim to establish a robust regulatory framework that ensures the safe and efficient operation of eVTOL aircraft."

GACA has developed a comprehensive national roadmap for AAM with contributions from stakeholders and companies across the world. This roadmap outlines the necessary enablers and governance required to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of AAM technologies. The roadmap's implementation phase will focus on integrating eVTOL operations with traditional aviation systems and other modes of transportation.

Vertical Aerospace shows off most advanced and powerful full-scale VX4 prototype ahead of flight test programme

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today unveiled its next-generation full-scale VX4 prototype, the only electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.

This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.

The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.

Key new features of the latest full-scale VX4 prototype:

Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise – 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from world leading aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype. This makes it Vertical’s most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification.

First use of battery designed and built for aviation – This battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. The VX4’s batteries are designed to meet the performance, safety, operational and commercial requirements of eVTOL and it is the first time its own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype. The electronics, software and design of the battery have all been developed in house and the new aircraft includes new, more powerful Electronic Propulsion Units.

Next generation propellers – Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximise performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.

Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical, commented:  “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

Stellantis invests additional $55 million In Archer following recent flight test milestone

Stellantis and Archer Aviation Inc. have confirmed Archer has received an additional $55 million investment from Stellantis under the companies’ strategic funding agreement following the achievement of its transition flight test milestone last month.

This latest investment builds on Stellantis’ series of open market purchases of 8.3 million shares of Archer’s stock in March of this year that was previously announced. During 2023, Stellantis invested $110 million in Archer through a combination of open market stock purchases and investments under the companies’ strategic funding agreement.

Archer remains on track to complete construction of its high-volume manufacturing facility in Georgia later this year. This first phase of the build out is a ~350,000 square foot facility on an ~100 acre site designed to support production of up to 650 aircraft annually, which would make it one of the largest manufacturing facilities by volume in the aircraft industry. Archer’s goal with this facility remains to establish a factory that can support its planned commercial ramp up by leveraging the expertise of Stellantis as its contract manufacturer.

“Few things rival the excitement of seeing a dream take flight. I applaud the innovation, expertise and hard work of the engineering and manufacturing teams from Stellantis and Archer,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With this additional investment in Archer, we remain on course for a future where freedom of mobility extends beyond today’s roads.”

SkyDrive, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding PCL. and Saha Tokyu Corporation Sign MOU To Explore New Business Utilizing “eVTOL” in Thailand

SkyDrive, a leading Japanese eVTOL*1 aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (“SPI”) and Saha Tokyu Corporation Company Limited (“Saha Tokyu”) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to jointly explore new business utilizing SkyDrive’s eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (*2) in Thailand.

SPI is a member of the Saha Group, a leading conglomerate in Thailand. The company develops industrial estates, invests in new businesses in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, and other districts, and operates private airfields for small planes. Saha Tokyu is a joint venture company between Tokyu Group in Japan and the Saha Group, and its main focus is on the real estate business, mainly serviced apartments in Si Racha District.

In Thailand, economic growth is being promoted by the expansion of Japanese companies into industrial estates. However, traffic congestion and environmental pollution from automobiles have become serious social issues. In response, the use of diverse transportation methods is expected to help alleviate these problems.

Based on this agreement, SkyDrive, SPI and Saha Tokyu will study use cases using “SKYDRIVE” in Sri Racha, Pattaya and Phuket in Thailand. The three companies will also explore further business opportunities, such as re-importing these use cases to Japan and investigating the air taxi business in Tokyu Group’s urban development.

Archer Announces Landmark Infrastructure Deal With Signature Aviation

Archer and Signature recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) identifying initial day one opportunities for launching air taxi services including in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports, as early as the end of 2025.

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Signature Aviation, the world's largest network of private aviation terminals, today announced the signing of an MOU focused on electrifying Signature’s industry-leading network of over 200 airport terminals, giving Archer access to takeoff and landing sites in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. and globally, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Texas. The MOU identifies day-one opportunities for launching Archer’s air taxi service in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports.

The two companies plan to leverage their existing partnerships with BETA Technologies to install BETA’s interoperable rapid recharging systems across Signature’s industry-leading network of private aviation terminals. These systems utilize the Combined Charging System (CCS), which can charge electric aircraft, cars, airplane tugs, buses, and other forms of transportation commonly used at airports. The interoperable rapid recharging system, recently endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), has been installed at 20+ airports across the country with 50 new sites in development, and is currently used by the industry’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“We are thrilled to join forces with Signature Aviation to advance the infrastructure needed to support the future of urban air mobility. By focusing on electrifying key aviation assets in major cities such as New York and Chicago, we are taking essential steps toward making sustainable and efficient air travel a reality,” said Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer. “This partnership will help us establish a robust network of landing sites across the country to enable the scaling of our air taxi service, ensuring our Midnight aircraft can seamlessly integrate into urban environments and provide a reliable transportation solution for our passengers.”

Saudi Arabia's Air Taxi Trial

In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has successfully conducted its first air taxi trial in Mecca, setting the stage for deployment in the coming years and transforming Hajj transportation for pilgrims.

Led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Interior, and Front End Limited Company, the trial featured an EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft. Conducted in a low-risk area with protected airspace, this initiative is set to redefine the Hajj experience by enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability. 

His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, emphasized the trial's impact:  "This groundbreaking trial is a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj travel. Saudi Arabia is leveraging pioneering technologies to empower pilgrims with a seamless and sustainable pilgrimage experience.”

The trial provides invaluable insights and technical data to support GACA’s development of an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roadmap, including a robust regulatory framework tailored to provide safe and sustainable air transport solutions for Hajj pilgrims. By significantly reducing travel and delivery times, air taxis can accelerate the mobility of pilgrims and goods and improve emergency medical services during Hajj. AAM solutions are projected to support tens of thousands of pilgrims and generate tens of millions in revenue by 2030. 

His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, highlighted the trial's significance: "This Air Taxi Trial marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape. GACA is committed to enabling new safe and sustainable forms of air transport, elevating travel for pilgrims and passengers across Saudi Arabia. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to the advancement of mobility solutions across the Kingdom.”

 

Mr. Majid Alghaslan, CEO of Front End, praised the collaboration:  "Front End is paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionizing Hajj transportation. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our purpose is to foster a ‘Connected Kingdom,’ serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this pioneering solution a reality." 

Saudi Arabia has invested hundreds of millions into AAM solutions to scale the sector, as the Saudi Aviation Strategy (SAS) transforms the Kingdom into the Middle East’s leading aviation hub by 2030. The strategy is unlocking more than $100 billion of investment, with passenger numbers growing by 26% in 2023 to 112 million.  GACA hosted an AAM pavilion at the 2024 Future Aviation Forum in May, alongside an aviation investment showcase to enable investment in the aviation sector.

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Archer gets FAA certification to start operating commercial airline

Archer Aviation Inc. a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced its subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

This certificate allows Archer to begin operating aircraft commercially to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight into service for airlines like United Airlines when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification. Receiving the Part 135 certificate signals that Archer Air has developed, and demonstrated to the FAA its adherence to, the necessary policies and procedures to begin operating aircraft commercially in accordance with the stringent safety and operational standards set forth by the FAA. Today’s achievement is another key step that demonstrates Archer’s work with the FAA continues to gain momentum as Archer is now one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certificate from the FAA.

Archer announced that it has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA

Archer is one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certification from the FAA

Archer plans to use conventional aircraft now to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight into service when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification

Archer will leverage its mobile booking application, vertiport technology integrations, and proprietary operations software platform all currently under development to deliver exceptional experiences and journeys for passengers

In addition to its Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA allowing it to perform specialized aircraft repair services. This means Archer has now received the two key operational certificates required from the FAA for it to be in a position to begin its air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification. The FAA also recently issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft. The completion of the Part 135 certification process involved five rigorous stages, which entailed the submission of extensive documentation of operational manuals and procedures, as well as Archer’s pilots needing to demonstrate proficiency with those manuals and procedures under FAA observation.

"We are honored to receive the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA, which is another important stepping stone on the way to commencing commercial air taxi operations with our Midnight aircraft," said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer. "This milestone reflects our team's unwavering dedication to safety and operational excellence as we stand up one of the world’s first electric air taxi services for communities across the U.S. with a safe, sustainable and low noise transportation solution.”

Joby Partners with Mukamalah Aviation

Joby Aviation,  a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukamalah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the operator of the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft, to introduce Joby’s aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The MoU, signed today between Joby and Mukamalah, contemplates the parties working together to engage with key aviation stakeholders, including The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to expedite Joby’s entry into the Saudi Arabia market, leading to the direct purchase of Joby aircraft to be used in Mukamalah’s operations.

The direct sale of aircraft to business customers such as Mukamalah and government partners like the U.S. Department of Defense forms one pillar of Joby’s commercialization strategy, alongside the direct operation of Joby aircraft in core markets such as the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, and partnered operations in other markets.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, said: “Saudi Arabia presents a remarkable opportunity for our technology and the scope and scale of Mukamalah’s operations make them a natural partner for us.

Archer Aviation joins with Etihad Aviation Training for eVTOL pilot training......

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing -eVTOL aircraft, confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Training that lays the groundwork for a partnership to recruit and train prospective pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi to fly aircraft across the UAE. The MOU was announced at the start of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Archer is showcasing its Midnight aircraft for the first time in the country.

“Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is a critically important part of our efforts to establish a thriving urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, and Etihad Training is the premier organization to partner with on this front,” said Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel. “As Etihad Training’s first eVTOL partner, we will commence a thoughtful recruiting process and begin to train the first class of qualified pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region.”

Archer and Etihad Training intend to collaborate together to recruit and train pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft.

Together, Archer and Etihad Training intend to engage with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (“GCAA”) and other local authorities to establish an appropriate pilot training curriculum in the UAE to enable safe and efficient Archer eVTOL operations as soon as 2025.

Etihad Training’s CEO, Captain Paolo La Cava, said: “Etihad Aviation Training today recruits and trains pilots to fly with dozens of global airlines. We couldn’t be more excited to choose Archer as our first eVTOL partner to recruit and train the first class of electric air taxi pilots to fly Archer’s Midnight aircraft right here in Abu Dhabi as soon as 2025. We look forward to installing the Archer Midnight flight simulator in our facilities later this year.”

The Heron TP RPAS produced by UAV PEO at the Directorate of Defense Research & Development at the IMoD and Israel Aerospace Industries has made its maiden flight over Germany

The German Heron TP (GHTP), produced by UAV PEO at the Directorate of Defense, Research and Development at the IMoD and Israel Aerospace Industries, has flown in German airspace for the first time. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was customized for the unique requirements of the German Ministry of Defence, as part of a joint venture between IAI, Israel’s Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), and Airbus.

The close cooperation between Airbus, IAI, DDR&D and the German Armed Forces, ensured the development of a RPAS which exhibits both advanced performance and operational readiness while also providing the German Armed Forces with additional capabilities. The flight was conducted in the presence of the senior representatives from the German Air Force, the DDR&D at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Airbus and, IAI. This historic event is an important step towards reaching full operational capability.

President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Mr Boaz Levy:" The deployment of Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS in Germany signifies a milestone achievement for Israel Aerospace Industries, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and defence solutions on the global stage. This collaboration sets the stage for continued innovation and collaboration in addressing the ever-evolving challenges in the defence sector."

Archer sign framework agreement to accelerate commercial air taxi operations across UAE

Archer Aviation Inc., a leader in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced the signing of a framework agreement in Abu Dhabi today at the DRIFTx mobility event, held at the Yas Marina Circuit showcasing the latest in advanced urban mobility, driving discussions, collaboration, and innovation across the sector. 

This agreement covers multi-hundred-million dollar investments to accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year, including in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year.

Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will also ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025. The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer and conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s support, we are poised to continue leading the transformation of urban transportation in the Emirate and across the globe,” said Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein.

“Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally, and ADIO is proud to partner with Archer as one of the world’s most innovative companies. We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.