Archer recently completed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of its production aircraft, and is now moving to the next stage of its development and commercialization efforts, including the start of manufacturing of long-lead-time hardware.

Recently, United formed a Joint eVTOL Advisory Committee with Archer, allowing the parties to work more closely on eVTOL maintenance and operational matters. Committee members include Archer's operations and maintenance leadership, as well as leadership from United's maintenance, materials, and engineering groups.

"I am incredibly proud of the entire Archer team as we reach this milestone in our partnership with United Airlines. To receive a cash deposit is validation of Archer's achievements to date, not only with flight testing and product development, but also a great signal of confidence in our roadmap to commercialization," said Adam Goldstein, Archer CEO. "We're thankful to United for their continued partnership as we usher in this new era in air travel."

"This announcement marks a new, important phase in our relationship with Archer, and our commitment to eVTOL technology. We are witnessing an inflection point where consumers, businesses, and policymakers are all aligned to prioritize technology that reduces the impact of climate change," said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. "United Airlines Ventures has invested in a diverse roster of companies working in support of our goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, without the use of traditional carbon offsets. We believe eVTOLs have the potential to both help achieve carbon-neutral travel and serve as an innovative new tool to change how United customers experience comfort, convenience, and efficiency during their commutes within cities across the globe."

Source:  Archer Aviation Inc

Wisk is launching the new hub with its current Montreal-based personnel, and intends to grow this presence to approximately 30 employees by the end of 2022. The new Montreal hub is part of a broader effort by Wisk to expand its global team around the world.

"We are excited about the launch of our new Montreal hub," said Sebastien Vigneron, Wisk Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs. "Canada's forward-looking approach to aviation and interest in AAM, combined with its pool of experienced aerospace talent, make it an ideal location for Wisk as we expand our global footprint. This expansion highlights the increasing global interest in our mission to bring safe, everyday flight to everyone, and we look forward to continuing that mission with support from our new Montreal-based hub."

The announcement of the new Montreal hub follows Wisk's recent expansion into Australia. In addition to Montreal and its headquarters and facilities around the San Francisco Bay area, Wisk now has a presence in Atlanta, Georgia; New Zealand; and Australia.

Source:  Wisk Aero LLC

One AW169 and the AW109 Trekker will be delivered to a private operator in the fourth quarter of 2023. Another AW169 is expected to be handed over to its user in the third quarter of 2023. The helicopters will feature highly customized configurations and interiors and will benefit from support contracts delivered by a new Service and Logistics Center in Itapevi.

These latest orders for the AW169 bring the number of aircraft of this latest generation type purchased by VIP operators in Brazil to 14, confirming the growing success of the AW169 in this market since its certification in 2015.

Source:  Leonardo