Archer Aviation, which makes electric air taxis, is excited about launching operations in India soon. They plan to do this through a joint venture, likely next year, once they complete the certification process with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Adam Goldstein, the CEO of Archer Aviation, shared that they’ve been working closely with US regulators for a long time. The FAA has established a solid framework for certifying both the aircraft and its operations. Once they finish the certification process in the US, they aim to expand to global markets, with India being a top priority.
During a discussion at the World Economic Forum, Goldstein mentioned that the core technology for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has improved significantly. Testing has shown that these aircraft are safe to operate. Many regulators worldwide look to the FAA for guidance, and he believes India will follow suit.
To enter the Indian market, Archer Aviation has teamed up with InterGlobe Aviation. However, their aircraft will first undergo testing in the US before any operations in India.
Goldstein emphasized the safety features of their aircraft. They have designed them with redundancy, meaning that if one part fails, the aircraft can still operate safely. For instance, their aircraft includes 12 electric engines and six battery packs, making it well-equipped to handle failures without compromising safety.
Archer plans to use existing infrastructure such as helipads and airports for their operations in India. They will need some charging infrastructure, but it will be similar to what is used for electric ground vehicles.
Initially, the cost of using the aircraft in India may be high, but Goldstein expects prices to fall over time as demand grows. He noted that traditional helicopters struggle in urban areas due to noise, but their electric aircraft are much quieter, allowing for more operations in the air.
Thus far, Archer Aviation has secured $2 billion in funding. Their aircraft can carry four passengers along with a pilot. The goals of Archer’s design are to create a sustainable, electric aircraft that is safe, cost-effective, and accessible to a broader range of users.
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