Korean Air Partners with Archer Aviation to Launch Electric Air Taxis in South Korea

Korean Air has entered an exclusive agreement with Archer Aviation to introduce electric air taxis in South Korea. The deal includes an option for Korean Air to purchase up to 100 of Archer's Midnight aircraft, designed for short urban and intercity flights. Shares of Archer Aviation surged 6.58% following the announcement, closing at $11.98.

The collaboration aligns with South Korea's national transport strategy, which identified urban air mobility as a growth priority in 2022. Archer's Midnight, capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot, promises to reduce 60-90 minute road commutes to 10-20 minute flights. The aircraft's rapid recharge capability enables multiple consecutive trips with minimal downtime.

This partnership combines Korean Air's aviation expertise with Archer's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, marking a significant step toward commercial air taxi operations in Asia's fourth-largest economy.