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, alongside its US manufacturing facility and potential UAE production.
The company is actively acquiring talent from competitors, a strategy that has supported its growth but also led to legal challenges regarding trade secrets.
Archer is positioning its eVTOL technology for both commercial air taxi services globally and strategic defense applications through partnerships, such as with the British Army's Project NYX.

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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).