Archer Aviation Taps Starlink for In-Flight Wi-Fi on Midnight Air Taxis

Archer Aviation has announced an industry-first partnership to integrate SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service into its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to provide seamless, high-speed connectivity for both passengers and flight operations, establishing a new benchmark for the nascent Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

This agreement ensures that Archer's four-passenger air taxis will offer robust in-flight Wi-Fi, a feature considered essential for the urban and regional transportation market. Beyond passenger amenities, the Starlink connection will serve a critical operational function, enabling reliable, low-latency communication between the aircraft, its pilot, and ground control systems. This data link is fundamental for managing flight telemetry, optimizing routes in real-time, and supporting the infrastructure for future autonomous operations.

A New Standard for AAM Connectivity

The integration of Starlink is a strategic move to enhance the end-to-end passenger experience. The company detailed the collaboration in an official announcement, positioning high-quality connectivity as a core component of its service offering. The use of Starlink's Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation is particularly suited for the operational profile of eVTOLs, which typically fly at lower altitudes of 1,500 to 2,000 feet, where traditional geostationary satellite signals can be less reliable.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Connectivity is a must have feature for Midnight. Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it,” Goldstein stated. “This industry-first collaboration will enable seamless, high-speed connectivity and essential amenities for our passengers and pilots.”

Midnight Aircraft and Operational Profile

The Midnight aircraft is the centerpiece of Archer's Urban Air Mobility (UAM) strategy. It is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot on short-distance trips of 20 to 50 miles, with a cruise speed of up to 150 mph. The aircraft has an expected payload capacity exceeding 1,000 pounds and is powered by twelve propellers and electric motors, a design that provides significant redundancy for safety.

Archer is targeting high-tempo operations, with plans for back-to-back trips facilitated by a rapid charging time of approximately 10 minutes. The aircraft is also engineered for low-noise operations, with a target sound level of around 45 dBA, making it significantly quieter than a conventional helicopter and suitable for deployment in dense urban environments.

Path to Commercialization

Archer is navigating the regulatory landscape with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to achieve certification for the Midnight aircraft. The FAA has established a new 'powered-lift' category specifically for eVTOLs, marking the first new aircraft classification in decades. This framework provides a clear pathway for certifying the novel aircraft and the pilots who will operate them.

The company has already secured significant commercial backing. United Airlines has a strategic partnership with Archer that includes a pre-delivery payment for 100 aircraft, signaling strong interest from legacy carriers in integrating eVTOLs into their transportation networks. Archer plans to launch its UAM network in 2025, initially targeting major metropolitan areas including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Why This Matters

This partnership between Archer Aviation and Starlink establishes a critical technical and commercial precedent for the entire AAM industry. By integrating high-performance connectivity from the outset, Archer is defining the expected standard for passenger experience and operational safety in the air taxi market. The move signals that robust data links are not an add-on but a core requirement for certifying, operating, and scaling UAM networks, potentially accelerating the adoption of similar solutions across the sector.

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