Archer Aviation, a leading electric air taxi company, is set to revolutionize transportation in South Korea with its partnership with Kakao Mobility. The collaboration aims to introduce electric air taxi flights in Seoul by 2026, pending the successful development of Archer’s aircraft.
This strategic move is part of Archer’s global expansion plan, which includes launching commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates and India in the same year. Competitor Joby Aviation is also eyeing South Korea as a key market, partnering with SK Telecom and UT to integrate air and land travel services.
Kakao Mobility, with over 30 million registered users on its Kakao T mobile app, plans to own and operate Archer’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for air taxi services in Seoul. The Midnight aircraft boasts a 100-mile range and is designed for urban environments, accommodating four passengers in addition to the pilot.
Christopher SungWook Chang, senior vice president of Kakao Mobility, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the goal of reducing traffic congestion and enhancing everyday travel with electric air taxi services. Kakao and Archer are also participating in the Korea Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge to address transportation challenges in South Korea.
To support Archer’s commercialization efforts in Korea, Kakao is investing $7 million this year, with additional funding planned for 2025. With Kakao agreeing to purchase up to 50 Midnight aircraft, valued at approximately $250 million, Archer is poised for significant growth in the region. Despite facing substantial R&D expenses and losses, Archer remains committed to delivering innovative air taxi services globally.