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 establishing an engineering hub in South West England, operated by a new UK subsidiary, as part of a broader global expansion that also includes potential manufacturing in the UAE.
The company is strategically strengthening its position by acquiring key talent from competitors, such as an engineer from Vertical Aerospace, and collaborating with the British Army on defense projects using its eVTOL expertise.
Archer is pursuing both commercial air taxi services with its Midnight eVTOL in the US and internationally, while also developing advanced hybrid-electric and autonomous variants for defense applications.

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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).