Archer Aviation is forming an eVTOL aircraft advisory committee with its investor and customer United Airlines. The group, announced on April 27, will provide Archer with guidance on maintenance and operational arrangements for the four-passenger eVTOL vehicle that the start-up intends to bring into commercial service in 2024.
In February 2021, United Airlines signed an agreement valued at an initial $1 billion to purchase up to 200 of Archer’s as-yet-unnamed eVTOL design. These are expected to be operated by a regional affiliate of the carrier, Mesa Airlines, to transport passengers to and from major hub airports. United also supported a $600 million common stock PIPE (public investment in private equity) commitment that backed Archer’s September 2021 business combination with special purpose acquisition company Atlas Crest and the resulting initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.
