Archer Aviation has received a $10 million pre-delivery payment from United Airlines for 100 of the company’s initial production eVTOL aircraft.

The company said the payment “represents a watershed moment for the eVTOL industry, validating confidence in the commercialisation of eVTOL aircraft and Archer’s leadership”.

2021 order

United is making the deposit on 100 of Archer’s production aircraft which it agreed to purchase in 2021.

“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.”

Commitment to eVTOL technology

“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 prioritise 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.”

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