Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company Archer Aviation has revealed it will begin trials of its air taxis in India next year as it builds up to launching commercial operations in 2026.
The company signed a deal with IndiGo parent company Interglobe last year covering the purchase of up to 200 of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft with the goal of launching services in Delhi.
Speaking to Reuters, CEO Adam Goldstein said: “Hopefully for next year, we will be able to bring planes here at the very least from a demonstrations perspective and fly them around. The goal is to help prepare the public for a new form of transportation.”
Currently in the testing stage for its Midnight aircraft, Archer is hoping to receive certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the vehicle around the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025 and is one of the further developed eVTOL companies in what is a growing industry.
The company, which recorded a $458m net loss in 2023, has previously highlighted India as a key market for its technology thanks to its growing population and congested cities.
In its deal with Interglobe, the company plans to launch passenger services in Delhi as well as using the aircraft for cargo, logistics, and medical and emergency services, with India set to be its first international market following a planned commercial launch in New York, US.
Goldstein and CCO Nikhil Goel told Reuters that the company would seek approval for the Midnight aircraft in India after getting FAA certification, likely to happen next year.
