Washington/New Delhi, 23 January 2025: Archer Aviation, a U.S.-based electric air taxi manufacturer, is accelerating its plans to introduce services in India. The company aims to commence trials of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as early as next year, with a target to launch commercial operations by 2026.
In partnership with InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, Archer intends to deploy up to 200 of its Midnight aircraft across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The Midnight aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional urban transportation. For instance, a journey from Delhi’s Connaught Place to Gurugram, typically a 60 to 90-minute drive, could be completed in approximately seven minutes using the air taxi.
Archer’s CEO and Founder, Adam Goldstein, emphasized India’s potential, stating, “India is one of, if not the largest opportunity for eVTOL aircraft utilization in the world.”
The company is currently advancing its aircraft certification process with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and plans to engage with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to secure necessary approvals for operations within the country.
This initiative aligns with India’s efforts to adopt innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, aiming to alleviate congestion in its rapidly growing metropolitan areas.
