Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Archer Aviation is "well on its way" to bringing its Midnight aircraft to market by 2025.
"As the leading eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, Archer is focused on creating the most efficient path to market. Because of our world-class team and focused commercialisation strategy, we continue to progress toward our goals," an Archer spokesperson said.
The Midnight's proprietary powertrain is ~500 lbs lighter than any counterpart, making it "one of the best and most efficient powertrains in the EV sector", according to Archer.
Getting established component suppliers such as Garmin, Honeywell and Molicel on board has helped Archer towards the 2025 target, along with "limiting new and novel concepts to key necessary enabling technologies" to make certification more efficient.
Archer said United Airlines "strong initial order of aircraft as well as additional industry expertise and relationships in key markets" has further contributed.
"United is leading the entire aviation industry in the effort to decarbonise air travel, which means they are committed to
Archer as a key investor and airline operations partner," the spokesperson said, adding that Archer's partnership with Stellantis "is also critical in supporting our high-volume manufacturing efforts, which are essential in scaling operations".
"Stellantis is contributing advanced manufacturing technology and expertise, experienced personnel and capital to enable Archer’s aircraft manufacturing at scale," according to Archer.