The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Archer Aviation a pivotal certification, advancing the electric air taxi manufacturer closer to transporting passengers. Archer Aviation, which specializes in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), garnered substantial support and orders from United Airlines in 2021. United Airlines views this innovative technology as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions.

Several airlines have invested in or placed orders for eVTOL aircraft, which, akin to helicopters, have the capability to take off and land vertically. These aircraft are anticipated to significantly reduce emissions in densely populated urban regions. For example, United Airlines envisions utilizing eVTOLs for passenger commutes between major airports and city centers, such as the route between Manhattan and United's hub in Newark, New Jersey.

“Today we have received the Part 135 certification, which allows us to effectively become an airline so we can carry passengers,” stated Archer CEO Adam Goldstein in an interview with CNBC.

This certification process has spanned approximately two years, involving the submission of over 2,000 pages of documents and 14 manuals detailing operational procedures, training, and maintenance.

Archer's next objective is to obtain FAA certification for its four-passenger aircraft, known as “Midnight.” According to Goldstein, this certification could facilitate the commencement of air taxi services as early as next year. Although he did not provide an exact timeline, he highlighted that Archer's aircraft are simpler and have fewer components compared to commercial jets, potentially expediting the certification process.

At the 2023 Dubai Air Show, attendees had the opportunity to explore an Archer Aviation Midnight aircraft. The demonstrator aircraft, Maker, has a flight range of up to 60 miles and can reach top speeds of 150 mph. The Midnight aircraft boasts a range of 100 miles, though Archer plans to deploy it for shorter journeys.

United Airlines is actively collaborating with Archer to integrate the electric aircraft into their service network. Andrew Chang, managing director of United Airlines' venture arm, commented, “This is not something that is a push of a button. It’s matching how quickly [Archer] can progress the operational side and how to fit that within our airport hubs.”

Archer has also formed a partnership with automaker Stellantis to produce hundreds of these electric air taxis. This partnership is expected to leverage Stellantis' manufacturing expertise and infrastructure, ensuring the scalability and efficiency of the production process.

Archer's competitors are also advancing in this field. Joby Aviation received its Part 135 certificate two years ago, has established a partnership with the U.S. Air Force, and has secured orders and support from Delta Air Lines. Recently, Joby announced plans to acquire the autonomy division of the autonomous aviation company Xwing. This acquisition is anticipated to bolster Joby's capabilities in autonomous flight technologies, further enhancing their competitive edge in the eVTOL market.

Additionally, the broader industry landscape for eVTOLs is evolving rapidly, with numerous companies vying to bring their innovations to market. The regulatory environment, public acceptance, and advancements in battery technology will play critical roles in shaping the future of urban air mobility. As such, Archer's progress in obtaining certifications and forging strategic partnerships positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and efficient air transportation solutions.

In conclusion, the FAA's certification marks a significant milestone for Archer Aviation, bringing it closer to realizing its vision of revolutionizing urban transportation with electric air taxis. The continued collaboration with United Airlines, Stellantis, and other stakeholders will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead and successfully launching commercial eVTOL services.