Tokyo Selects JAL-Archer Consortium for eVTOL Program Phase 1 with Midnight Aircraft

Archer Aviation Inc. announced the Japan Airlines-led consortium, which features Archer’s Midnight Aircraft, was selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to participate in phase one of Tokyo’s “eVTOL Implementation Project.”

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 commercial operations in the coming years.

The selection recognizes 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 previously 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 Program.’ 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.”

Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Innovation of Japan Airlines, said:

“Japan Airlines is honored to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and our consortium partners on the first phase of the eVTOL Implementation Project.”

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.

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL), founded in 1951 as Japan’s first private airline, operates a modern fleet of 232 aircraft serving 395 airports across 68 countries. Awarded a 5-Star rating by Skytrax and “World Class” status by APEX, JAL is recognized for exceptional service and a commitment to safety worldwide.