Archer Aviation Inc. and Future Flight Global (FFG) announced an agreement focused on the deployment of electric vertical take off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) services across top global markets.
The agreement includes the planned purchase by FFG of up to 116 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, worth up to $580M. This brings Archer’s indicative order book to $6B.* The two companies are now working to formalize definitive agreements covering the intended aircraft purchases and strategic operating alliance, with nearly $5M in pre-delivery payments planned upon their completion.
Midnight, Archer’s electric vertical take off and landing aircraft, is designed to offer passengers a sustainable, low-noise and safe alternative to ground transportation. Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90 minute commutes by car in traffic with estimated 10–20 minute electric air taxi flights.
FFG, which has been under development for the past three years, is founded by members of the leadership team at Titan Aviation, including former CEO Karan Singh. Titan Aviation has been operating business jets under multiple air operator certificates worldwide for over two decades with deep experience catering to the world’s top executive travelers. FFG and Titan have a joint venture that will deploy and operate advanced air mobility assets globally.
Together, Archer and FFG plan to launch air taxi services in some of the largest markets globally, including Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Also Read: Rocket Lab Completes Launch with Capella Space
First, FFG will operate select routes within Archer’s planned air taxi service, leveraging Archer’s existing vertiport infrastructure network with partners such as Signature and Atlantic Aviation, and will collaborate with new vertiport partners to provide service in other high-demand locations.
Second, FFG will also seek to deploy Midnight to provide on-demand transit to their most high value clients——inclusive of corporations, hotels, governments and high net worth individuals.
To support these plans, Archer and FFG will work together on ecosystem development, infrastructure, regulatory engagement and demand generation.
“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.”
“This new agreement both grows our prospective order book to nearly $6B, and opens up Archer’s global reach to premium international markets,” said Andrew Cummins, Director of Business Development at Archer. “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.”
SOURCE: Businesswire