Global automaker Stelantis is about to enter the aviation industry after signing a deal with Archer Aviation to build electric flying taxis.
The manufacturer is Sterantis. Chrysler, dodge, Jeep, Ram and other well-known car brands have said they will provide Archer with up to $150 million in equity in 2023 and 2024 to act as the company’s exclusive contract manufacturer.
contract announced CES in Las Vegas On Wednesday, it aims to begin building the Midnight VTOL at its Georgia production plant in 2024. Press release The aircraft is “safe, sustainable, quiet and designed to carry four passengers plus the pilot.”
Midnight is designed to taxi passengers for short distances of up to about 20 miles, but with a range of 100 miles on continuous trips, the fully electric aircraft requires about 10 minutes of charging time between flights. will do. Archer said the Midnight was designed to take off and land vertically, much like a helicopter, and transition forward like a normal plane once it reaches flight altitude.
Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said in a press release: “Both companies are taking these important steps to realize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine urban transportation,” he added.
G/O Media can earn commissions
Archer and Stellantis said in a press release that the combined efforts of the two companies will help Archer “avoid spending hundreds of millions of dollars” in building taxi aircraft over the next two years.
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. Launch your own flying taxialready agreed to pay Archer $10 million to order 100 aircraft last fall.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Regulation change We are building pilot requirements and reviewing planned aircraft, including how short-haul air taxis will be integrated into the airspace. Goldstein said he expects the company to be certified by the end of 2024, after which it plans to begin commercial operations. wall street journal.
Archer entered first agreement A partnership with Stellantis in 2021 will allow Archer to tap into Stellantis’ supply chain and manufacturing expertise, but Midnight’s announcement takes the deal a step further.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in a press release:
“Deepening our partnership with Archer as a strategic investor and planning to expand our stakeholding will allow Stellantis to push the boundaries to provide sustainable freedom of movement, from road to air. Supporting Archer with our manufacturing expertise is another example of how Stellantis is leading the way in global movement.”