SANTA CLARA, Calif., October 24, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today provided commentary on the much anticipated FAA release of the final powered-lift Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) which is the key operational piece of the regulatory puzzle for Archer and the rest of the industry to be able to firm up their plans for safely commercializing eVTOL in the U.S. The SFAR comes ahead of schedule, incorporates key feedback from across the industry, and is yet another signal of the U.S. leading the way in commercializing eVTOL aircraft.

After an initial review of the comprehensive final ruling, it’s clear the regulations laid out in the FAA’s SFAR align strongly with Archer’s planned approach to commercial operations, pilot training and its Midnight aircraft’s operational capabilities providing the company with a more definitive path to commercialization.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer said, "We applaud the FAA on the release of the SFAR ahead of schedule as it represents a tremendous milestone for our country and the eVTOL industry. Now, Archer has a clear roadmap to pioneer eVTOL here in the U.S. Our team is full speed ahead in our ongoing partnership with the FAA as we work towards commercialization as soon as possible."

Billy Nolen, Chief Regulatory Officer at Archer and former FAA Administrator said, "The FAA continues to collaborate effectively with our industry to apply feedback and provide a clear path to market that ensures the safe entry into service of eVTOL aircraft in the national airspace. Today is a big moment for the FAA, our industry and Archer as it signals the U.S.’s strong commitment to maintaining our global leadership in aerospace innovation."

A more in-depth look at initial takeaways on the key areas of the SFAR from Archer Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer and former FAA Administrator, Billy Nolen, can be found here.

Archer’s team will continue to work with the FAA to develop its operational plans to align to the final SFAR as the company gears up to be one of the first to pioneer eVTOL aircraft operations here in the U.S.

About Archer

Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. We are designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution. Our goal is for our proprietary technology to deliver unprecedented connectivity to the people and places across the most congested cities in the world. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements, including statements regarding market opportunity, business strategy and plans, and the timing of Archer’s development, commercialization, and certification of its eVTOL aircraft. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, available at www.sec.gov. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.