Electric air taxi startup Archer Aviation has completed construction of Arc, its 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant near Atlanta.
The California-based company received a certificate of occupancy for the facility this week. Archer intends to begin on-site production of its four-passenger Midnight aircraft early next year, with a goal of producing two aircraft per month by the end of 2025.
The company also says it is in the late stages of ironing out an agreement with auto giant Stellantis, which would enable the production of 650 Midnight aircraft annually by 2030. Under the proposed partnership, Stellantis would provide capital, personnel and advanced manufacturing technology to assist in Midnight production ramp-up.
Archer is one of numerous companies hustling to market with electric air taxis that do vertical takeoffs and landings. The Midnight aircraft are being designed to fly up to 150 mph with an optimal range of 20 to 50 miles.
The company is still working its way through the certification process. Archer has received Part 135 certification from the FAA for commercial charter operations and Part 145 certification for operating aircraft repair stations. It still must still receive production certification and certification for the Midnight aircraft.
On its website, Archer says it is preparing to begin flight testing. Certification from the start of test flying can take years.
Domestically, Archer has entered into agreements with United and Southwest, with which it intends to coordinate flight schedules, easing the airport journey for customers of those airlines. It also has partnership agreements with Japan Airlines and IndiGo.
The startup earlier this year unveiled an aspirational Los Angeles-area flight network, which it hopes to begin as early as 2026. The planned network includes stops at LAX and stops near or at private terminals within Orange County Airport, Hollywood-Burbank Airport and Long Beach Airport. Various other sites, including one adjacent to SoFi Stadium, are also under consideration.
The company says its global commercial launch could come as soon as late next year in the United Arab Emirates.