Electric air taxi maker Archer Aviation gets key FAA sign-off

Archer Aviation announced on Wednesday that it has received a critical certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, bringing the builder of electric air taxis one step closer to potentially transporting passengers by air. With the claim that the latest innovations could lower emission levels, Archer, an innovator of eVTOLs, received orders and support from United Airlines in 2021. These eVTOL aircraft, which may lift off or land vertically like helicopters, have been acquired or ordered by numerous carriers. This may reduce pollution in crowded locations. A Part 135 certification has been granted to Archer, enabling the company to operate as an airline and transport people. 

Over a period of two years, Archer produced fourteen manuals and over 2,000 pages of documentation detailing maintenance, training, and operation protocols for its Air taxis. In order to provide air taxis as early as next year, Archer must acquire its four-passenger aircraft, dubbed “Midnight.” The CEO stated that while they currently do not have a specific time frame, Archer’s aircraft are far simpler and comprise less components than commercial jets, which may account for certification delays for older aircraft models. Its demonstration model, “Maker,” has a top speed of 150 mph and a range of 60 miles. The company’s Midnight aircraft has an operational radius of 100 miles, but Archer intends to use it for shorter flights.

United Airlines and Archer are collaborating on the details of bringing the electric aircraft into operation. The MD of United Airlines’ enterprise arm, Andrew Chang, has made it quite evident that this is not going to be as simple as pressing a button. According to him, the key is to balance the operational side of the business’s growth with how rapidly its airport hubs can accommodate it. In order to manufacture dozens of the electric air taxis, Archer has teamed up with automaker Stellantis. Boeing and United Airlines support it as well in using conventional planes to improve its processes and systems.

Joby Aviation, Archer’s competitor, has also acquired Part 135 certification from the FAA in 2022. It’s partnered with the U.S. Air Force and has received support and orders from Delta Air Lines. Joby announced on Tuesday that it intends to buy Xwing, an autonomous aviation firm, and its autonomy branch. That being said, it is tough to ignore the fact that Archer is one of the pioneers of eVTOL manufacturers, intent on transforming urban transportation in crowded areas by providing short-haul air transportation.