Archer Aviation Expands into Japan with Osaka Air Taxi Deal

Archer Aviation (ACHR) has secured a pivotal partnership in Japan, positioning itself as the sole U.S. electric air taxi manufacturer with a foothold in the Osaka Prefecture market. The company's collaborator, Soracle—a joint venture between Japan Airlines (JPNRF) and Sumitomo Corporation (SSUMF)—will spearhead air taxi operations in the region, leveraging Archer’s Midnight aircraft as the cornerstone of its fleet.

The agreement includes coordinated efforts with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to establish regulatory frameworks, community engagement plans, and service designs aimed at integrating Osaka with the broader Kansai area. Public interest was galvanized during a recent showcase of the Midnight aircraft at the Osaka Kansai World Expo.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein met with Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism to discuss the operational roadmap for air taxis in the country. The dialogue underscores Japan’s commitment to advanced mobility solutions and Archer’s strategic push into Asia.