American electric aircraft maker Archer Aviation partners with Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal network, to secure takeoff/landing sites for its Midnight aircraft.
Landmark infrastructure deal
In a press release on Monday, Archer Aviation announced the landmark infrastructure deal it made with Signature Aviation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) revolved around electrifying Signature Aviation’s more than 200 airport terminals.
The partnership will offer Archer Aviation access to takeoff/landing sites in vital metropolitan regions across the United States and the world, starting with New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Texas.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Signature Aviation to advance the infrastructure needed to support the future of urban air mobility. By focusing on electrifying key aviation assets in major cities such as New York and Chicago, we are taking essential steps toward making sustainable and efficient air travel a reality.”
Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer
In addition, it will aid Archer Aviation in deploying its air taxi service in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports.
“This partnership will help us establish a robust network of landing sites across the country to enable the scaling of our air taxi service, ensuring our Midnight aircraft can seamlessly integrate into urban environments and provide a reliable transportation solution for our passengers.”
Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer
Charging infrastructure development
The partners will tap BETA Technologies to install its interoperable rapid recharging technologies across Signature Aviation’s terminals.
“We’re committed to shaping the future of aviation through sustainability and thrilled to work alongside Archer as we expand our infrastructure to support the electrification of the industry.”
Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer at Signature Aviation
BETA’s charging systems feature a Combined Charging System (CCS), ensuring compatibility with electric aircraft, cars, airplane tugs, buses, and other common vehicles at airports.
For context, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) recently promoted BETA’s innovative charging system.
In addition, the press release indicated that BETA has already deployed its charging system at more than 20 airports nationwide, with 50 new sites under development.
Timeline
Archer Aviation and Signature Aviation aim to start installing charging infrastructures on initial launch locations by 2025.
The partnership will then gradually expand the electrification across Signature Aviation’s global network to support the growth of Archer Aviation’s aircraft services.
Archer aims to reshape urban mobility by eliminating 60–90-minute land travel through its 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights. It promises to deliver “safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive” air taxi services for more convenient commutes.
