Archer Aviation (Archer) and Signature Aviation, the largest network of private aviation terminals, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to electrify Signature’s extensive network of over 200 airport terminals, granting Archer access to take-off and landing sites in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. and globally, including New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Texas. The MOU highlights day-one opportunities for launching Archer’s air taxi service at key United Airlines hubs: Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports.
The partnership will leverage existing collaborations with BETA Technologies to install BETA’s interoperable rapid recharging systems across Signature’s network of private aviation terminals. These systems utilise the combined charging system (CCS), which can charge electric aircraft, cars, airplane tugs, buses and other airport transportation. Recently endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the system has been installed at over 20 airports nationwide, with 50 new sites in development and is currently used by leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industry.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Signature Aviation to advance the infrastructure needed to support the future of urban air mobility. By focusing on electrifying key aviation assets in major cities such as New York and Chicago, we are taking essential steps toward making sustainable and efficient air travel a reality,” said Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer. “This partnership will help us establish a robust network of landing sites across the country to enable the scaling of our air taxi service, ensuring our Midnight aircraft can seamlessly integrate into urban environments and provide a reliable transportation solution for our passengers.”
“We’re committed to shaping the future of aviation through sustainability and are thrilled to work alongside Archer as we expand our infrastructure to support the electrification of the industry,” said Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer at Signature Aviation. “This collaboration unlocks new possibilities in the design and introduction of innovative sustainable aviation solutions while also bringing our guests greater access to the future of urban air mobility via Archer’s Midnight aircraft.”
The two companies plan to electrify initial launch locations as early as 2025, with further expansion across Signature Aviation’s global network as Archer’s aircraft availability increases. This partnership aims to establish a leading electric aviation infrastructure experience, offering premium services to Signature’s guests.
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.
