Archer Aviation

FLYING looks at the near future of both categories.

The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer says its newly installed battery pack manufacturing line is capable of producing up to 15,000 per year.

The manufacturer agrees to sell aircraft to UrbanLink Air Mobility, a company founded in March that plans to operate eVTOL aircraft in several major American cities.

Both companies are working with Abu Dhabi government agencies to build ecosystems in the city for their respective aircraft.

With a new headquarters and growing policy, government, and regulatory affairs team, Archer is stepping up its presence on Capitol Hill.

NASA’s Overflow computer program predicts how air will behave around the aircraft, giving manufacturers insight into potential noise during operations.

The evaluation is designed to verify the pack can withstand the impact of a crash from 50 feet, which could cause the battery to leak, catch fire, or explode similar to a fuel tank.

Vertiports will connect the two cities with estimated 30-minute flights, a fraction of the two hours it can take to drive between them during peak traffic.

Other electric air taxi manufacturers, including Joby competitor Archer Aviation, had previously announced operational agreements to fly in the region in 2026.

The company is now authorized to perform certain maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for its flagship aircraft.