Archer, Kakao Mobility to Launch Electric Air Taxis in South Korea by 2026

5 months ago Editor

Archer Aviation has teamed up with Kakao Mobility to introduce electric air taxis to South Korea by 2026, pending the completion of aircraft development. The partnership aims to provide urban commuters with an alternative mode of transportation, leveraging Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known as the Midnight. Kakao Mobility plans to operate these air taxi services through its Kakao T mobile app, initially serving users in Seoul.

Archer Aviation and Kakao Mobility have joined forces to introduce electric air taxi services in South Korea by 2026. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize urban transportation and alleviate traffic congestion through innovative air travel solutions.

As part of their international expansion strategy, Archer plans to commercially launch its electric air taxis in the United Arab Emirates and India concurrently with the South Korean debut. Notably, competitor Joby Aviation is also eyeing the South Korean market in collaboration with SK Telecom and UT, a joint venture between Uber and T Map Mobility.

Under the partnership agreement, Kakao Mobility will operate Archer’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, offering air taxi services to its extensive user base via the Kakao T mobile app. These services will commence in Seoul and cater to the growing demand for efficient urban transportation solutions.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft, boasting a 100-mile range, is specifically designed for urban environments, making it ideal for short-distance travel within cities. With a payload capacity exceeding 1,000 pounds, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate four passengers in addition to the pilot. However, it is important to note that the aircraft is still in the development phase and awaits FAA certification.

Christopher SungWook Chang, Senior Vice President of Kakao Mobility, emphasized the transformative potential of electric air taxis in alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing everyday travel experiences. The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in urban mobility.

In addition to the collaboration with Archer, Kakao Mobility has also entered into a similar agreement with British eVTOL startup Vertical Aerospace, signaling its strong interest in advancing air mobility solutions in South Korea.

Both Archer and Kakao Mobility are actively participating in the Korea Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) Grand Challenge, a government-led initiative aimed at developing and testing commercial technologies to address urban transportation challenges. This collaboration culminated in a public demonstration of Archer’s aircraft in South Korea in late 2024.

To support Archer’s early commercialization efforts in South Korea, Kakao Mobility has pledged financial assistance, providing $7 million in the current year with additional funding planned for the first quarter of 2025. With Kakao’s commitment to purchasing up to 50 Midnight aircraft, valued at approximately $250 million, Archer is poised to accelerate its aircraft production and deployment efforts in the region.

Despite significant R&D expenses and cumulative losses, Archer remains optimistic about its prospects, with plans to expand its air taxi services to Miami and San Francisco by 2025 in collaboration with United Airlines and Atlantic. As the urban air mobility landscape continues to evolve, Archer and Kakao Mobility are at the forefront of shaping the future of transportation in South Korea and beyond.