One of the most exciting aspects of eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing) is their unparalleled operational versatility. Archer’s Midnight aircraft stands out as a prime example of this adaptability. Recently, the first unit was delivered to the US Air Force (USAF) as part of the AFWERX Agility Prime contract. But that’s just the beginning—Midnight is also preparing to offer lavish flights to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals under FFG’s operation.
While Archer’s Agility Prime contract is valued at an impressive $142 million, the latest purchase agreement with FFG dwarfs that figure, coming in at a staggering $580 million for over 100 Midnight aircraft. This brings Archer’s total order book to a jaw-dropping $6 billion!
Archer will deliver 116 units to FFG after receiving $5 million in pre-delivery payments. The future clients enjoying these luxurious Midnight air taxi flights will include elite hotels, prestigious corporations, governments, and affluent private customers. Remarkably, the same eVTOL aircraft that excels in USAF logistics will also deliver an unparalleled luxury experience to top-tier commercial clients.
But that’s not all—FFG will also play a key role in Archer’s upcoming air taxi service, partnering with existing and new vertiport collaborators. This innovative air taxi network will soon expand into major global markets, ranging from Southeast Asia to the Middle East.
FFG, a relatively new player in the aviation industry, has emerged over the past three years as a joint venture with Titan Aviation. This venture marks a natural evolution for Titan’s leadership, moving from top-tier business jet services to the equally luxurious Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations powered by cutting-edge electric air taxis.
Adding to its momentum, Archer recently teamed up with California’s largest air carrier, Southwest Airlines. With Southwest’s 14-airport network as a foundation, the partnership is set to pioneer the integration of regular air taxi services across California. Together, they have embarked on the complex task of strategically planning a future network that seamlessly merges current operations with the transformative potential of electric air taxis.
The Midnight eVTOL will be manufactured at Archer’s new high-capacity production facility in Covington, Georgia. Scheduled for completion by year’s end, the facility will gradually scale up to produce 2,000 aircraft annually. Meanwhile, Archer’s California facility will ramp up production of dedicated battery packs with an automotive-style manufacturing line.
