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

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

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation is actively preparing for the launch of its eVTOL air taxi service, with COO Tom Anderson leading efforts to obtain a Part 135 certificate, establish vertiport operations, and develop comprehensive pilot and technician training programs.
The "Midnight" eVTOL, seating a pilot and four passengers, is designed for efficient, emissions-free urban travel (60 sm range, 130 knots cruise speed), leveraging existing infrastructure like parking garages for vertiports.
Archer aims to provide an "Uber-esque" passenger experience with app-based booking, pre-flight vetting, and personalized service, while also planning to address pilot shortages and integrate eVTOLs into the broader travel ecosystem by connecting local vertiports to major airports.

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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.