Published: 09 Nov 2024
Archer Aviation Inc., and Soracle Corporation (Soracle), a
joint venture newly established by Japan
Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, signed agreements focused on bringing
advanced air mobility (AAM) services
to Japan.
Soracle plans to launch its AAM operation in Japan using
Archer’s Midnight aircraft, with the goal of offering electric air taxi flights
in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or
geographic barriers.
To do so, Soracle has obtained the right to place aircraft
orders of up to 100 Midnight aircraft, totaling approximately $500M, which
would include pre-delivery payments based on certain milestones in advance of
aircraft delivery.
Soracle will develop a variety of flight routes in
attractive areas for residents as well as domestic and international visitors.
Route locations could include places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido,
Setouchi and Okinawa with the aim of establishing a transportation network that
creates new value through mobility in the sky.
Archer and Soracle will work closely with the Japanese Civil
Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to obtain the necessary permissions and certifications.
Archer and JCAB have already begun discussions and Archer intends to work to
certify our aircraft in Japan.
To memorialize this joint agreement, Soracle and Archer held
a signing ceremony in Tokyo on September 26, 2024.
“Japan is widely respected for its forward thinking approach
to transportation and this investment into advanced air mobility is yet another
example of that,” said Andrew Cummins, Senior Director of Business Development
at Archer. “We’re proud to stand with Soracle ahead of this new era of
flight—together, we are committed to bringing an innovative, sustainable and
convenient transportation alternative to the country.”
“Through the operation of eVTOL aircraft, Soracle aims to enrich lives and society by creating more accessible air transportation services in Japan. We will provide safe and reliable services to passengers by making the most of the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated at Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation,” said Yukihiro Ota, Chief Executive Officer at Soracle. “Today’s announcement is a first step towards making the future we envision a reality.”
As a first step towards commercializing AAM services in Japan, Archer and Soracle plan to conduct a public flight demonstration at the World Expo to build public support, demonstrate the future of aviation and accelerate stakeholder’s engagement. The Expo is anticipated to be one of the most significant global events of the year, expecting around 28 million visitors from Japan, the US and other countries over its six-months duration. The Expo will provide numerous touchpoints for potential customers and passengers to experience the Parties’ vision, aligning perfectly with the Expo's theme of "Future Society Showcase."
Archer's electric aircraft, Midnight, is designed to offer passengers a safe, sustainable and low-noise alternative to ground transportation:
Source: Archer
Published: 09 Nov 2024
Archer Aviation Inc., and Soracle Corporation (Soracle), a
joint venture newly established by Japan
Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, signed agreements focused on bringing
advanced air mobility (AAM) services
to Japan.
Soracle plans to launch its AAM operation in Japan using
Archer’s Midnight aircraft, with the goal of offering electric air taxi flights
in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or
geographic barriers.
To do so, Soracle has obtained the right to place aircraft
orders of up to 100 Midnight aircraft, totaling approximately $500M, which
would include pre-delivery payments based on certain milestones in advance of
aircraft delivery.
Soracle will develop a variety of flight routes in
attractive areas for residents as well as domestic and international visitors.
Route locations could include places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido,
Setouchi and Okinawa with the aim of establishing a transportation network that
creates new value through mobility in the sky.
Archer and Soracle will work closely with the Japanese Civil
Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to obtain the necessary permissions and certifications.
Archer and JCAB have already begun discussions and Archer intends to work to
certify our aircraft in Japan.
To memorialize this joint agreement, Soracle and Archer held
a signing ceremony in Tokyo on September 26, 2024.
“Japan is widely respected for its forward thinking approach
to transportation and this investment into advanced air mobility is yet another
example of that,” said Andrew Cummins, Senior Director of Business Development
at Archer. “We’re proud to stand with Soracle ahead of this new era of
flight—together, we are committed to bringing an innovative, sustainable and
convenient transportation alternative to the country.”
“Through the operation of eVTOL aircraft, Soracle aims to enrich lives and society by creating more accessible air transportation services in Japan. We will provide safe and reliable services to passengers by making the most of the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated at Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation,” said Yukihiro Ota, Chief Executive Officer at Soracle. “Today’s announcement is a first step towards making the future we envision a reality.”
As a first step towards commercializing AAM services in Japan, Archer and Soracle plan to conduct a public flight demonstration at the World Expo to build public support, demonstrate the future of aviation and accelerate stakeholder’s engagement. The Expo is anticipated to be one of the most significant global events of the year, expecting around 28 million visitors from Japan, the US and other countries over its six-months duration. The Expo will provide numerous touchpoints for potential customers and passengers to experience the Parties’ vision, aligning perfectly with the Expo's theme of "Future Society Showcase."
Archer's electric aircraft, Midnight, is designed to offer passengers a safe, sustainable and low-noise alternative to ground transportation:
Source: Archer
Exclusive launches by Composights
Exclusive launches by Composights