What's Happening?
Archer Aviation is currently trailing behind its competitor Joby in the race to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Joby has made significant progress, conducting flight tests with piloted aircraft in Dubai and achieving full transitions between hover and cruise. In contrast, Archer is primarily conducting conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) flights with uncrewed aircraft, which are considered less valuable for development and certification. Joby has accumulated tens of thousands of flight hours with its prototypes, while Archer has fewer prototypes and flight hours. Despite this, Archer has formed strategic alliances with major companies like Stellantis and United Airlines, and has a strong financial position.
Why It's Important?
The progress of Joby over Archer in the eVTOL sector has significant implications for the advanced air mobility industry. Joby's lead in flight testing and certification efforts positions it as a frontrunner in the market, potentially attracting more investment and partnerships. Archer's slower progress could impact its market share and competitive edge. The alliances Archer has formed may help mitigate some of these challenges, but the gap in flight testing experience remains a critical hurdle. The outcome of this competition could influence the future landscape of urban air mobility, affecting stakeholders such as investors, urban planners, and regulatory bodies.
What's Next?
Joby is expected to continue its lead by entering Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight testing soon, while Archer needs to accelerate its development to close the gap. Archer's focus will likely be on increasing flight test hours and transitioning to piloted flights. The industry will be watching closely to see if Archer can leverage its partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and catch up with Joby. Regulatory approvals and market readiness will be key factors in determining which company can successfully launch commercial eVTOL services first.
