Korean Air Partners With eVTOL Aircraft Developer Archer

Korean Air plans to operate up to 100 of Archer Aviation’s four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft and has begun a partnership with the manufacturer to launch commercial services. Under an agreement announced on October 20, the companies said they are now exploring multiple use cases for the vehicle, which could includes government applications.

According to Archer, the partnership covers an exclusive arrangement through which Korean Air will only work with Archer on plans for eVTOL air services. In October 2023, Korean Air signed a strategic partnership with Hyundai-backed Supernal, but it remains unclear what progress it is making with its plans for an eVTOL aircraft. Joby Aviation and Eve Air Mobility also have Korean partnerships in place.

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is leading the government’s efforts to prioritize advanced air mobility. The agreement with Korean Air, which is owned by the Hanjin Group, does not specify when the Midnight orders will be firmed up but did state that the operator will provide expertise in aircraft operations and maintenance.

“The partnership with Archer will accelerate Korea’s leadership in next-generation air mobility,” said Jin Kyu Lim, head of the airliner’s Aerospace Business unit. “By combining Archer’s industry-leading eVTOL technology with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace MRO and manufacturing expertise and strong commitment to innovation, we aim to lay the foundation for the next generation of air mobility in the Republic of Korea.”

In May 2024, Archer announced that South Korean taxi and rideshare and booking platform Kakao Mobility agreed to acquire up to 50 Midnight aircraft in a deal provisionally valued at $250 million. At the time, the companies said they planned to work together in the government-backed Korean Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge and Archer said this agreement is still in place.