Archer Aviation, a California-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced it has entered the Japanese market through a partnership with Soracle Corporation.
This joint venture positions Archer to implement air taxi services in Japan, with Soracle signing on to potentially purchase up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, in a deal valued at approximately $500 million.
Japan, though slow in adopting all-electric road vehicles, is rapidly becoming a hub for advanced air mobility (AAM). The country has been preparing to establish an eVTOL network since 2021, when the Osaka Roundtable partnered with Germany’s Volocopter to plan air taxi operations. Additionally, Japan’s SkyDrive has received government funding to further eVTOL development alongside partnerships with Japanese OEMs like Suzuki.
Through the Soracle-Archer partnership, air taxi services will launch in cities where ground traffic and geographic challenges limit transportation options. Soracle, a venture formed by Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Airlines, aims to establish AAM networks in major areas including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. “By offering accessible air transportation, we aim to enrich lives and society,” said Soracle CEO Yukihiro Ota following the companies’ joint signing ceremony on Sept. 26.
In preparation for commercial operations, Archer and Soracle plan to conduct a public flight demonstration at the upcoming World Expo in Osaka from April to October 2024.
This initiative aims to build public interest and attract further investment in AAM technology in Japan. Archer’s partnership with Soracle adds to its global network, which includes United Airlines and KaKao Mobility.
