Korean Air to Buy 100 Archer eVTOLs

Korean Air and Archer Aviation announced October 20 the two companies had agreed to partner up and commercialize Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The agreement also included plans for Korea Air to purchase 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL vehicles.

According to a joint release, Korean Air intends to start commercializing the Midnight with use for the government, before deploying it for “multiple end markets and use cases.” The agreement follows Archer’s showcase of the four-passenger aircraft at the California International Airshow. Archer touts the Midnight as a feasible future "air taxi" to replace auto commutes.

In 2022, The Republic of Korea's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry declared eVTOL and urban air mobility as priorities for the government.

In a statement, Jin Kyu Lim, Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business, said the partnership puts Korean Air in a position to lead on future developments in how aircraft are used.

“This partnership with Archer will accelerate Korea’s leadership in next-generation air mobility,” Lim said. “By combining Archer’s industry-leading eVTOL technology with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace MRO and manufacturing expertise and strong commitment to innovation, we aim to lay the foundation for the next generation of air mobility in the Republic of Korea.”

Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Air, called Korean Air an “ideal partner” thanks to their expertise and future plans. “We are excited to introduce Midnight alongside them in one of the world’s largest aerospace markets,” he said.