Nikhil Goel, the Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, has highlighted India's potential to become the largest market for electric air taxis globally, with the launch of these innovative vehicles expected in 2026. Archer Aviation, a California-based company specialising in electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, is positioning itself to revolutionise urban travel with its electric air taxis. These EVTOLs, which can take off and land vertically like helicopters, are quieter and produce fewer emissions due to their electric power.
Archer's flagship aircraft, the Midnight, is a 4-seater vehicle designed to carry four passengers and a pilot over distances of up to 160 kilometres. Archer has formed a partnership with InterGlobe Enterprises, the owner of India's largest airline, IndiGo. This collaboration aims to replicate IndiGo's successful model of making air travel more affordable by increasing trip volume and reducing overall costs through economies of scale.
India is one of the three countries, alongside the US and UAE, where Archer plans to commence its operations. The company is currently working on obtaining certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has already secured Part 135 certification, which authorises it to carry passengers similar to a traditional airline. Additionally, Archer is in discussions with India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to frame policies for air taxis, indicating strong support from Indian regulators and government bodies.
Goel emphasised the urgent need for new transportation solutions in India's increasingly congested cities, noting the significant potential and support from local, federal, and regulatory authorities. Archer's strategy involves analyzing routes across India's largest cities in collaboration with InterGlobe, aiming to integrate their air taxi services with IndiGo's passenger journeys to and from airports.