Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected a Japan Airlines consortium featuring Archer’s Midnight aircraft for the first phase of its eVTOL Implementation Programme.
Phase one of the project will assess the market and build the operating ecosystem, leading up to planned demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and river routes, which represents critical steps towards ramping up commercial operations in the coming years.
The selection recognises the strength of the existing strategic partnership Archer has developed with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation through their joint venture eVTOL operating company, Soracle.
Archer and Soracle announced a strategic alliance in November 2024 to jointly launch air taxi operations in Japan, with the goal of offering services in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or geographic barriers.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said: “We applaud the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s eVTOL Implementation Programme. The selection of our consortium to be a part of this innovative government approach gives Archer, together with JAL, Sumitomo Corporation and Soracle, a critical opportunity to help make the promise of urban mobility an everyday reality in Tokyo, the world’s largest city.”
This announcement builds on the recent momentum achieved by Archer in key Asia-Pacific markets. In October, Archer announced an exclusive deal with Korean Air that includes the potential purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft.
Archer Aviation
The partners plan to establish eVTOL services in cities facing traffic or geographical constraints
