Archer and United Airlines Form Joint eVTOL Advisory Committee to Support Archer’s Future Airline Operations

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) have established a joint eVTOL advisory committee aimed at enhancing operational standards for Archer's electric aircraft. The committee, co-chaired by Archer's VP of Engineering Dave Dennison and United's Mauricio Angel, focuses on maintenance and operational concepts critical for successful urban air mobility (UAM) adoption. This collaboration builds on a prior agreement where United committed to purchasing $1 billion in Archer's aircraft, reinforcing their ongoing partnership since February 2021.

Positive

• Joint advisory committee enhances operational standards for Archer's electric aircraft.
• Collaboration with United Airlines aligns with Archer's strategic goals in urban air mobility.
• United's commitment to $1 billion aircraft purchase strengthens financial backing.

Negative

• None.

• The committee is a forum for United to share its expertise on maintenance and operational matters as Archer moves forward in its aircraft development process
• The committee will advise on the development of systems and features intended to improve operations and other ideas to further the widespread adoption of urban air mobility (UAM) and eVTOL aircraft
• This is another milestone in Archer’s ongoing relationship with United Airlines that began in February of 2021 when United signed an industry-first agreement to purchase, subject to United’s business and operating requirements, $1 billion of Archer’s aircraft, with an option for an additional $500 million of aircraft
• United’s stellar track record in airline operations and its existing collaboration with Archer make it an ideal stakeholder to advise the company about the scope and build out of maintenance and operations plans
• The committee’s co-chairs include Archer’s Vice President of Engineering and a member of United’s senior leadership in TechOps Strategy and Operations

 

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) have announced the creation of a joint eVTOL advisory committee. The committee is focused on advising on maintenance and operational concepts to recommend to Archer for its all-electric aircraft aimed at driving towards best-in-class operational standards in the emerging eVTOL industry.

The Committee is chaired by Archer’s Vice President of Engineering, Dave Dennison and United’s Mauricio Angel, United’s Managing Director, United Express TechOps Strategy and Operations. The following members of Archer and United round out the initial makeup of the committee:

• Jason Onorati, United's Director of Maintenance Programs
• Robert Bernard, United’s Sr. Manager Maintenance Programs
• Brian Johnson, United’s Director of Materials
• Monal Merchant, United’s Sr. Manager UAX Engines and Engineering
• Edward Espiritu, United’s Sr. Manager United Airlines Ventures
• Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO
• Tom Muniz, Archer’s COO
• Armando Chieffi, Archer’s Maintainability Lead

Each of the committee chairs bring proven experience in aviation operations to the group. The other committee members bring complementary skills in the areas of maintenance, customer satisfaction and fleet management.

“The formation of this advisory committee further demonstrates Archer’s commitment to building advanced infrastructure to support UAM at scale,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer. “The committee is set up to leverage United’s experience with industry-leading operating strategies in commercial aviation, a key tenet of our business strategy. We understand that the adoption of UAM is about more than just the certification of our aircraft. United’s operational experience here will be invaluable as we work towards delivering aerial ridesharing at scale.”

“At United, we’re proud to be expanding our collaboration with Archer with an advisory committee designed to focus on key operational strategies and electric aircraft performance needed to achieve our shared goal of sustainable urban air mobility, while addressing the scale and sophistication needed to operate successfully, and most importantly, delivering the high-quality user experience our customers require,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. “Assembling this group of industry-leading talent, and harnessing the valuable insights it yields, will be a vital step in enabling consumer adoption of eVTOL.”

Over the long-term, Archer's goal is to work with United to create UAM fleet support leveraging logistics concepts and networks already in use thereby creating operational efficiencies.

Continue to follow along with Archer’s journey via www.archer.com.

About Archer

Archer’s mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world's cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility. Archer's team is based in Palo Alto, CA. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding our future business plans and expectations, including statements regarding our advisory committee with United Airlines and the impacts of this committee on our business. These forward looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022, which is available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov, and other documents filed by us from time to time with the SEC. In addition, please note that the date of this press release is April 27, 2022, and any forward looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. We undertake no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

Source: Archer
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220427005753/en/

Louise Bristow

Archer

louise.bristow@archer.com

archer@launchsquad.com

For Investors

investors@archer.com

Source: Archer Aviation Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the advisory committee formed by Archer and United Airlines?

The advisory committee is established to improve maintenance and operational standards for Archer's eVTOL aircraft, aiding in the adoption of urban air mobility.

When did Archer and United Airlines begin their collaboration?

Archer and United Airlines started their collaboration in February 2021 when United agreed to purchase $1 billion worth of Archer's aircraft.

What are the financial implications of Archer's partnership with United Airlines?

The partnership includes a commitment from United Airlines to purchase up to $1.5 billion in Archer's aircraft, enhancing Archer's financial stability.

Who are the co-chairs of the eVTOL advisory committee?

The co-chairs are Archer's VP of Engineering Dave Dennison and United's Managing Director of TechOps Strategy and Operations Mauricio Angel.

What is Archer's vision for urban air mobility?

Archer aims to create efficient urban air mobility solutions through advanced electric aircraft, focusing on quick, safe, and sustainable transportation.