California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation, has received a Part 145 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), granting the manufacturer approval to perform specialized aircraft repair services.
The FAA’s Part 145 certification, crucial for commercial aviation operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), now allows Archer to operate a repair and maintenance station for performing various maintenance and repair tasks on essential eVTOL aircraft components and airframes. Such certification reflects the eVTOL aircraft manufacturer’s commitment to following strict safety and operational standards, including the handling and shipment of hazardous materials.
With the authorization of the US civil aviation regulator, Archer Aviation is now set to progress with the deployment of its electric air taxi fleet towards commercial flight operations, which have a potential replace 60–90-minute urban travel by ground transport with estimated 10–20-minute flights.
“This is a significant vote of confidence from the FAA in Archer’s promise and potential for operating a full-scale urban air mobility service in cities across the country,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer Aviation’s founder and chief executive officer (CEO), in the company’s statement released on February 8, 2024.
“As we continue to rapidly progress towards commercial operations, we will work closely with the FAA and regulators worldwide to ensure Archer’s aircraft are safe and prepared to revolutionize mobility, providing a sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive alternative to alleviate congestion in our largest cities,” the CEO added.
The advanced air mobility startup aims to launch air taxi services with its ‘Midnight’ model in the Los Angeles and New York City metropolitan areas, as well as San Francisco and Miami, in 2025.
The eVTOL aircraft developer plans to build 250 eVTOLs in 2025, with a goal to increase production levels to 500 units in 2026 and and be capable of manufacturing approximately 650 aircraft in 2027.