Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation bought its former rival, Wisk Aero, from Boeing. In exchange, Boeing will now own 16.5% of Archer Aviation’s shares. The deal also includes Archer taking control of air traffic management software developer SkyGrid, and drone manufacturer Insitu.
What is eVTOL Technology?
This deal unites two of the most prominent firms in the race to develop commercially viable eVTOL aircraft. Archer Aviation will now have access to Wisk Aero’s autonomous flight software.
This will complement Archer Aviation’s advances in developing piloted eVTOL technology.
It is hoped that this technology will allow airlines to pilot individuals in and around cities quickly, allowing them to compete with high-speed road and rail transport.
These “air taxis” may also improve the aviation industry’s sustainability by offering an alternative to traditional aircraft that doesn’t rely on CO2-emitting fossil fuels and generates less noise pollution.
What is Archer Aviation?
Archer Aviation has been a leading developer of eVTOL technology since its foundation in 2018.
In 2022, the company signed a deal with United Airlines to supply the airline with 100 electric flying taxis, once they became commercially available. It finalised a similar deal with Japan Airlines in 2024.
Archer’s planned production aircraft, the Archer Midnight, completed its first test flight in October 2023, and is planned to begin preliminary commercial air taxi operations later this year.
Earlier this month, the Midnight successfully completed a test flight between Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), under the supervision of officials from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This ensured the Midnight passed phase 4 of the FAA’s certification process, a legal requirement for all commercial aircraft, on operational safety.
What Else Has Archer Aviation Purchased?
In addition to Wisk Aero, Archer Aviation now owns SkyGrid and Insitu.
SkyGrid operates a platform that allows air traffic controllers to view and manage aircraft as quickly as possible. It is hoped that by developing this technology further, air traffic controllers would be able to immediately take control of autonomous aircraft in emergencies.
Insitu designs and manufactures drones which are widely used in the U.S. military.
This means that they provide a short-term source of revenue for Archer Aviation, while its eVTOL aircraft are still entering commercial use.
Archer Aviation’s CEO Adam Goldstein said that his company will:
“Gain the ability to start generating significant revenue immediately in a major growth market. Demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones is probably the highest it has ever been, creating a major opportunity for a company that is already generating revenue and cash flow.”
Instu’s profitability will help stabilise Archer Aviation’s financial position and may improve its image as it markets its eVTOL technology to established airlines.
Would you want to use an eVTOL aircraft? Would you prefer a piloted or autonomous flight? Let us know in the comments.
