Archer Aviation wins major order for air taxis from FFG

Both companies have signed a letter of intent according to which Future Flight Global would like to order up to 116 air taxis. However, this is not yet a fully binding order. The letter of intent has an order volume of up to 580 million dollars.

This increases the provisional order backlog of Archer, in which the automotive group Stellantis holds a stake, to six billion dollars. The two companies are now working on formalising the final agreements on the intended aircraft purchases as well as on a strategic operating alliance. Once finalised, upfront payments of almost five million dollars are planned.

FFG does not only aim to act as a buyer, instead, both companies aim to partner in the operation of the air taxis. This involves routes in Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia. FFG will operate selected routes as part of Archer’s planned air taxi service, utilising Archer’s existing Vertiport infrastructure network with partners such as Signature and Atlantic Aviation. Additional vertiport partners will also be added to provide air taxi services to other high-demand locations.

FFG also plans to use the Midnight air taxis to provide on-demand transit services to its customers in sectors such as corporations, hotels, governments and high-net-worth individuals. Although FFG is not yet active, it has a wealth of experience in aviation: FFG was founded by members of the management team of Titan Aviation, which has been providing business aircraft worldwide for more than two decades.

“The aviation industry is on the cusp of its most exciting revolution in decades,” said Karan Singh, CEO and founder of FFG. “We’re partnering with Archer to provide tailored, flexible aviation services to our top clients in some of the world’s most exciting destinations. Midnight’s versatility makes it well-suited to diverse routes and mission profiles, while also providing a world-class experience and operational efficiency that’s attractive to our corporate clients.”

Andrew Cummins, Director of Business Development at Archer, added: “As our first private aviation partner, and with their deep ties in aviation and bold approach, FFG is positioned to be a new leader in modern aviation. Partnering with Karan and the team at FFG was an obvious choice and an ideal relationship for Archer.”

However, the partnership with FFG is not the only news from Archer Aviation: a few days ago, the company also announced the launch of an air taxi network in Los Angeles. Archer’s planned network includes take-off and landing locations at Los Angeles International Airport, the University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys. Archer is also working with the Los Angeles Rams and Hollywood Park to potentially build an exclusive vertiport there.

The take-off and landing sites make it clear what Archer’s goal is: the startup wants to change urban transport by replacing 60 to 90-minute commutes by car with electric air taxi flights lasting an estimated 10 to 20 minutes.

futureflightglobal.com, archer.com (Los Angeles)