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ARCHER Aviation launches its first electric flying taxi “Maker”, as more investors and airlines are piling into the increasingly sought-after, but yet unapproved, urban air mobility space.
The interest in zero-emission planes that take off and land like helicopters is growing as companies seek new markets and face pressure to help decarbonise their industries through battery-operated vehicles.
According to Co-founder and co-CEO Brett Adcock said Archer’s debut was staged in a hangar using XR technology to simulate travel, following news on Thursday of two separate deals involving electric aircraft company Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) based in the UK and Brazil.
“Archer is not yet commercially flown, but puts on a great show under a new chief creative officer with decades of experience design and television production, Kenny Taht, to grab attention,” he said.
Brett Adcock added that Archer expects Maker’s commercial launch in 2024 in Los Angeles and Miami, and is in the process of certifying the piloted four-passenger aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Our real goal is to create mass market transportation solutions in and around cities. Taxis can fly at 150 miles per hour (240 km per hour) for distances of up to 60 miles (100 km) with prices starting between US$3-US $4 per mile for one passenger,” Adcock said.
In New York City, for example, a 17-mile journey from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan would cost US$50-US$70 and take about five to seven minutes compared to 60 to 90 minutes by car.
While experts predict the eVTOL market to be worth billions over the next decade, it’s not expected to make any money immediately and the timing of regulatory approvals remains uncertain.
Asked about the approval process, the FAA said, The FAA may certify new technologies such as eVTOL through existing regulations. We may issue special requirements or additional requirements, depending on the type of project.
As the market heats up, so does the competition, Archer is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Boeing-backed competitor Wisk Aero, which accuses him of stealing trade secrets and infringing on his patents.
Archer last week asked a California court to dismiss the lawsuit and sued Wisk for ‘false statements’ regarding a separate criminal investigation. Archer plans to go public through a US$3.8 billion merger with blank check firm Atlas Crest and has a US$1 billion investment and orders from United Airline. [antaranews/photo special]
