## Archer Aviation Plans to Launch Air Taxi Service in India by 2026
Archer Aviation, a California-based company, has partnered with Interglobe Enterprises (IGE), the majority shareholder of IndiGo, to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The service is expected to begin in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The air taxis will be able to travel from Delhi to Gurugram in just seven minutes, with fares ranging from one to 1.5 times the cost of an Uber ride. This translates to a price range of Rs 2,000-3,000, compared to the Rs 1,500-2,000 cost and 90-minute travel time of an Uber for the same route.
Archer's goal is to make the air taxi service affordable for everyone. The company believes that lower labor costs in India will help them achieve this goal.
Archer is currently in the process of getting its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, called "Midnight," certified by the United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They aim to receive certification by the end of 2024.
airport commuter routes, big commute routes, and leisure routes. IndiGo's data will be helpful in developing the airport commuter routes, while Connaught Place to Gurugram may be one of the first routes launched.
The IGE-Archer partnership plans to finance the purchase of up to 200 Midnight aircraft for the Indian market. The deal regarding this purchase is expected to be finalized later this year.
Archer and Interglobe will work together to develop vertiports, which are equivalent to airports for eVTOL aircraft. They plan to leverage Interglobe's experience in real estate and Rahul Bhatia's connections with major developers to identify suitable locations and obtain necessary permits.
Indian airport operators have been supportive of the idea of establishing vertiports inside airports. While space is a constraint, Archer is exploring creative solutions such as placing infrastructure on top of buildings.
The exact investment that Archer and Interglobe plan to make in India has not been disclosed. However, both companies are committed to investing heavily in the project.