Archer Midnight Air Taxi Heads to Japan in $500M Deal

The agreement—worth up to $500 million, or about $5 million per vehicle—is the latest big-money deal for Archer, which in August said its order book tops $6 billion.

VTOL or powered-lift aircraft, as the FAA classifies them, merge the capabilities of helicopters and airplanes, taking off and landing vertically but cruising on fixed wings. Archer’s Midnight is built to replace the former, flying primarily within cities or urban environments while producing a fraction of the noise. The unique-looking aircraft is designed for a pilot to ferry as many as four passengers at speeds up to 150 mph (130 knots), charging for just a few minutes between trips.

According to the partners, Soracle expects Midnight to be the launch vehicle for its Japanese air taxi service, which aims to offer zero-emission flights in congested cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The operator will develop air taxi routes for local residents as well as tourists, working with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to get the proper permissions.

Archer, meanwhile, said it is already in discussions with the regulator. The manufacturer soon plans to apply for JCAB validation of its FAA type certification, which it expects to receive as soon as next year.

To get the Japanese public on board with the service, Archer and Soracle intend to fly Midnight at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka between April and October of next year. The event is projected to attract an estimated 28 million attendees from around the world, giving the partners a massive showcase for the technology.

Americans, however, may be the first to experience routine electric air taxi flights.

Archer plans to launch in the U.S. as soon as next year in partnership with United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, serving markets such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The company is working with FBO networks such as Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation to electrify terminals at airports. It’s also eyeing the United Arab Emirates and South Korea as international markets.

Archer competitor Joby Aviation, meanwhile, earlier this week flew its flagship model in Japan for the first time alongside investor and manufacturing partner Toyota. The air taxi rivals have moved in near lockstep, with both intending to serve New York, Los Angeles, the UAE, and now Japan. Joby, which plans to fly in the U.S. in partnership with Delta Air Lines, has yet to secure a Japanese operating partner.

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