Archer Aviation has raised the walls of a 400,000-square-foot factory in Covington, Georgia, marking a significant step towards mass-producing its Midnight eVTOL air taxi. The Silicon Valley-based aircraft developer announced that construction is on track for completion by the end of this year.
In a statement released on July 31, Archer reported that it had completed the first phase of the build earlier this year, which involved grading and foundation work. The second phase, which includes constructing the facility’s exterior walls and roof, is now “nearing completion.” The company aims to secure FAA type certification to commence commercial operations in 2025.
Located at Covington Municipal Airport, approximately 40 miles east of Atlanta, the high-volume manufacturing facility will initially target an annual production rate of 650 Midnight aircraft. Archer plans to eventually expand the factory’s floorspace and increase production rates to around 2,300 aircraft per year.
To support these ambitious production goals, Archer has partnered with the European automotive group Stellantis, which was formed from the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot. Stellantis, a major investor in Archer, has committed up to $150 million in equity financing.
“Thanks to the hard work of the Archer and Stellantis teams, we’re on track to complete this manufacturing facility by the end of the year,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “Once complete, we’ll focus on ramping production up to 650 aircraft a year—our goal is to be the first in the eVTOL industry to achieve scaled manufacturing.”
Recently, Archer showcased the Midnight aircraft to government officials at a special event held at Atlantic Aviation’s new FBO at DeKalb–Peachtree Municipal Airport near Atlanta.
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