Archer Receives $10 million Pre-Delivery Payment From United Airlines for 100 eVTOL Aircraft; Advances Path to Commercialization

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has secured a $10 million pre-delivery payment from United Airlines for 100 of its eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant milestone for the eVTOL industry. This deposit showcases United's commitment to becoming a pioneering operator of eVTOL technology in the U.S. Archer has completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and is progressing in its development efforts. The partnership reflects a shared vision for sustainable air travel, with both companies focused on reducing climate impact.

Positive

• Receipt of a $10 million pre-delivery payment from United Airlines for 100 eVTOL aircraft.
• Validation of Archer's leadership and commercialization efforts in the eVTOL industry.
• Archer's Preliminary Design Review (PDR) completion, indicating readiness for production.
• Strengthened partnership with United Airlines through a Joint eVTOL Advisory Committee.

Negative

• None.

• Financial commitment is the latest vote of confidence by United in the Archer team, after United’s 2021 conditional purchase of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft

• $10 million pre-delivery payment for 100 of Archer’s production eVTOL aircraft is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the industry

• Deposit has broader implications for the eVTOL industry, validating interest and confidence in the impending commercialization efforts underway across the space

• Deposit solidifies United’s place as a leader in sustainable and innovative transportation

 

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced that it has received a $10 million pre-delivery payment from United Airlines for 100 of the company’s initial production eVTOL aircraft. The payment represents a watershed moment for the eVTOL industry, validating confidence in the commercialization of eVTOL aircraft and Archer’s leadership. United is making the deposit on 100 of Archer’s production aircraft which it agreed to purchase in 2021.

Archer recently completed its production aircraft’s Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and is now advancing to the next stage of its development and commercialization efforts. The PDR is a meticulous review of the aircraft design to ensure the program is on track and the design is mature enough to proceed to the next development phase and kick-off of production of long lead time hardware. The PDR lays out all aspects of the aircraft’s specifications and manufacturing requirements, necessary pre-conditions for determinations that the design is feasible for regulatory compliance and viable to bring to market. United’s decision to place a deposit for 100 of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft signals its desire to be one of the first airline operators in the U.S. to bring eVTOL aircraft to market.

The pre-delivery cash deposit continues a trend of strong support by the airline throughout development of its aircraft. Recently, United formed a Joint eVTOL Advisory Committee with Archer, allowing the parties to work more closely on eVTOL maintenance and operational matters. Committee members include Archer’s operations and maintenance leadership, as well as leadership from United’s maintenance, materials, and engineering groups.

“I am incredibly proud of the entire Archer team as we reach this milestone in our partnership with United Airlines. To receive a cash deposit is validation of Archer’s achievements to date, not only with flight testing and product development, but also a great signal of confidence in our roadmap to commercialization,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO. “We’re thankful to United for their continued partnership as we usher in this new era in air travel.”

“This announcement marks a new important phase in our relationship with Archer, and our commitment to eVTOL technology. We are witnessing an inflection point where consumers, businesses, and policymakers are all aligned to prioritize technology that reduces the impact of climate change,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. “United Airlines Ventures has invested in a diverse roster of companies working in support of our goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, without the use of traditional carbon offsets. We believe eVTOLs have the potential to both help achieve carbon-neutral travel and serve as an innovative new tool to change how United customers experience comfort, convenience, and efficiency during their commutes within cities across the globe.”

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA.

To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Source: Archer
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220810005477/en/

For Media

Louise Bristow

louise.bristow@archer.com

For Investors

investors@archer.com

Source: Archer Aviation Inc.

FAQ

What does Archer Aviation's recent press release mention about the payment from United Airlines?

Archer Aviation announced a $10 million pre-delivery payment received from United Airlines for 100 of its eVTOL aircraft.

What is the significance of the <money>$10 million</money> pre-delivery payment for Archer Aviation?

The payment is seen as a watershed moment for the eVTOL industry, validating interest and confidence in Archer's commercialization efforts.

How does United Airlines' deposit reflect its position in the eVTOL industry?

United's deposit solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable transportation and shows commitment to eVTOL technology.

What stage is Archer Aviation at in its aircraft development?

Archer has completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and is progressing towards production.

What collaborative efforts exist between Archer and United Airlines?

Archer and United have formed a Joint eVTOL Advisory Committee to work closely on operational matters.