United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has paid a USD10 million pre-delivery deposit to California's Archer Aviation (Palo Alto) on its conditional order for 100 of the startup's initial production of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.
This follows a collaboration agreement between the parties in February 2021 that saw United Airlines place an order, subject to its business and operating requirements, for USD1 billion of Archer's eVTOL aircraft, with an option for an additional USD500 million worth of aircraft. As reported, this may see United Airlines acquire up to 200 eVTOL units from Archer Aviation. The electric air taxis will be operated by Mesa Airlines (YV, Phoenix Sky Harbor), a regional capacity provider not owned by United Airlines.
Announcing United Airlines' pre-payment, Archer Aviation labelled it "a watershed moment for the eVTOL industry, validating confidence in the commercialization of eVTOL aircraft".
The manufacturer recently completed its production aircraft's preliminary design review (PDR). It was now advancing to the next stage of its development and commercialization. "The PDR is a meticulous review of the aircraft design to ensure the programme is on track and the design is mature enough to proceed to the next development phase and the 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 Airlines recently formed a joint eVTOL advisory committee with Archer Aviation, allowing the parties to work more closely on eVTOL maintenance and operational matters. Committee members include Archer Aviation's operations and maintenance leadership and executives from United Airlines' maintenance, materials, and engineering groups.
"This announcement marks a new important phase in our relationship with Archer, [Aviation], and our commitment to eVTOL technology. We are witnessing an inflexion 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.
He said United Airlines Ventures had invested in a diverse roster of companies in support of its goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, without the use of traditional carbon offsets. Amongst others, the airline has also taken a USD35 million equity stake in US hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia (Hollister Municipal) and has placed an order for 100 of the company’s hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft.
