Archer Aviation Offers a Glimpse of Air Taxi Operations

COO of urban air mobility, Tom Anderson, provides insight on future eVTOL airlines.

Thom Patterson

Monday, September 19, 2022 at 05:22 PM ET

Verified

Archer has spent 2022 flight testing its Maker test article at its facility in California. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation, under COO Tom Anderson, is meticulously planning the operational launch of its eVTOL air taxi service, focusing on securing a Part 135 operator certificate, defining vertiport operations, and establishing comprehensive pilot and technician training programs.
The company's "Midnight" eVTOL is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, offering 60-mile, 130-knot emissions-free flights for urban mobility, with an "Uber-esque" passenger experience featuring app-based booking, pre-screening, and personalized service.
Archer plans to utilize existing infrastructure for vertiports, ensuring efficient battery charging and quick turnarounds, while envisioning its service as a feeder system connecting local areas to major airports and contributing to easing the airline pilot shortage.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Although developers of electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL air taxis have yet to receive certification of their aircraft, a few industry leaders have been thinking ahead to operations and what the experience will look like for passengers as well as pilots.

Tom Anderson, Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) COO of urban air mobility, spoke with FLYING several weeks ago to offer his thoughts about top-line goals, including obtaining a Part 135 certificate, vertiports for maintenance, landings, and takeoffs, as well as training for pilots and technicians.