Archer makes infrastructure deal with Signature Aviation

Archer Aviation, a manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Signature Aviation, a network of private aviation terminals, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on electrifying Signature’s network of more than 200 airport terminals, giving Archer access to takeoff and landing sites in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. and globally, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Texas. The MoU identifies day-one opportunities for launching Archer’s air taxi service in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports.

The two companies plan to leverage their existing partnerships with BETA Technologies to install BETA’s interoperable rapid recharging systems across Signature’s network of private aviation terminals. These systems use the Combined Charging System (CCS), which can charge electric aircraft, cars, airplane tugs, buses, and other forms of transportation commonly used at airports. The interoperable rapid recharging system, recently endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), has been installed at 20+ airports across the country with 50 new sites in development, and is currently used by the industry’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The two companies plan to electrify initial launch locations as early as 2025, with further expansion planned across Signature Aviation’s global network as Archer’s aircraft availability increases, establishing a leading electric aviation infrastructure experience that offers premium services to Signature’s guests. Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.