In a groundbreaking move for urban transportation, Archer Aviation Inc. and Soracle Corporation have announced a landmark agreement to launch electric air taxi services in Japan. Leveraging Archer's cutting-edge electric Midnight aircraft, Soracle aims to reshape how people travel in Japan’s bustling urban centers with heavy traffic congestion and challenging geography.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft on the tarmac (Source: Archer Aviation)
Backed by a $500 million commitment, this deal allows Soracle to purchase up to 100 Midnight aircraft. The purchase structure includes pre-delivery payments tied to specific milestones, underscoring Soracle's commitment to bringing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to Japan's skies.
Soracle’s bold vision goes beyond adding a new mode of transportation. By bringing a new level of connectivity across the archipelago, they plan to create an efficient network of convenient air routes to key destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi, and Okinawa. The result is a web of flight paths that will make daily journeys faster, more accessible, and exciting.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft takes flight (Source: Archer Aviation)
To achieve this vision, Soracle and Archer are collaborating with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to secure the necessary regulatory approvals that will ensure Midnight meets Japan’s rigorous safety and certification standards. With discussions already underway, both companies are optimistic about setting a precedent for the future of electric aviation in Japan.
On September 26, 2024, the two companies hosted a signing ceremony in Tokyo to mark this monumental partnership. Andrew Cummins, Archer's Senior Director of Business Development, spoke about the importance of this venture, noting that “Japan has long been a pioneer in advancing transportation solutions. Together with Soracle, we are bringing a sustainable and innovative option that promises to revolutionize how Japan moves.”
Archer’s Andrew Cummins and Nikhil Goel (Source: Business Wire)
Yukihiro Ota, CEO of Soracle, echoed this sentiment: “Our mission is to enrich lives and connect society through accessible air travel powered by our combined expertise at Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation. Today’s announcement is just the beginning of that vision coming to life.”
Archer and Soracle are also planning a public flight demonstration at the upcoming World Expo, a global showcase that will draw approximately 28 million visitors worldwide. This demo flight, designed to build excitement and showcase the potential of electric air taxis, will offer millions of people a first-hand look at the future of aviation. By aligning with the Expo’s “Future Society Showcase” theme, Archer and Soracle aim to inspire public and stakeholder support for the future of air mobility.
Manhattan to Newark EWR Airport flightpath (Source: Archer Aviation)
The Midnight aircraft, which sits at the heart of Soracle’s electric fleet, is designed for ultra-quiet, high-speed, and efficient trips that make long commutes a thing of the past. Capable of speeds up to 150 mph, Midnight can turn hours in traffic into mere minutes in the air.
Key features of the Midnight electric aircraft:
- Range of 20-50 miles per trip with quick recharges between flights
- Remarkably quiet operation, up to 100x quieter than traditional helicopters
- High levels of safety with redundant systems throughout the aircraft
- Four passenger capacity with carry-on luggage
About Archer and Soracle
Archer Aviation is a leading force in electric aviation, developing aircraft and technology poised to launch a transportation revolution. Their vision is a world where urban congestion is bypassed, and people enjoy seamless connectivity in the skies above.
Founded on June 3, 2024, Soracle is a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Airlines, headquartered in Tokyo. Soracle’s mission is to introduce eVTOL air transport to Japan, creating a more sustainable future for urban and regional mobility.
For more details on this visionary partnership, visit Archer Aviation or Soracle Corporation.
Archer and Soracle announce $500M agreement for electric aircraft (Source: Business Wire)
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