Archer Poaches Vertical Engineer Ahead of U.K. Air Taxi Push

Engineer Limhi Somerville joins the California-based company from what may be its largest United Kingdom competitor.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 01:23 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

In partnership with Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace, Archer will help develop a capability concept demonstrator for the British Army’s Project NYX. [Credit: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation is significantly expanding its global footprint by establishing an engineering hub in the UK and exploring production capabilities in the UAE, complementing its existing US manufacturing base.
The company is entering the UK market with its Midnight eVTOL, strategically hiring key talent from local competitors, and partnering with Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace on a British Army defense project.
Archer is solidifying its international commercial presence through "Launch Edition" customers in the UAE, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, alongside securing substantial aircraft orders from operators in Korea, Japan, and the UAE.
This aggressive expansion includes strategic talent acquisitions, which have previously led to legal disputes over alleged trade secret misuse with competitors like Joby Aviation and Wisk Aero.

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California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi developer Archer Aviation is putting down roots on both sides of the Atlantic.

On Tuesday, the company revealed its plans to build an engineering hub in South West England that will be operated by a new subsidiary, Archer Aviation UK Limited. The move adds to its primary manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, which could also be complemented by production capabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).