Archer Aviation has appointed Dr Michael Romanowski as head of government relations. In this role, Romanowski will collaborate with regulatory authorities and industry to form a forward-leaning position on policy, process and global certification expectations.

“My career has been dedicated to improving safety. The safe advancement and implementation of emerging aerospace technologies is one of the best ways to continue to improve safety and bring lasting benefits to the American public,” says Romanowski. “Archer's dedication to safety and focus on collaboration with industry and federal agencies alike is a clear signal of its commitment to making eVTOL travel a reality.”

Romanowski joins Archer after more than 14 years at the FAA, where he served most recently as aircraft certification director of policy and innovation and as the director of nextgen integration and implementation and commercial space integration. In addition, he served as the aviation and aeronautics advisor to the chief technology officer of the United States and as the executive director of the National Science and Technology Council Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee under the Obama administration. Prior to the FAA, Romanowski served as vice president of civil aviation at the Aerospace Industries Association. He earned his PhD in mechanical engineering at Duke University.

Following the recent close of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of its production aircraft Midnight, Archer is continuing its path towards commercialisation by focusing on the regulatory framework necessary to bring eVTOL aircraft to market. Romanowski's appointment is key to continued collaboration with industry and regulatory organisations developing consensus positions on the technology's implementation.

“Innovation, partnership and safety are key to our mission,” says Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “I'm thrilled to welcome Michael to our team and to help strengthen our path to commercialisation. We are dedicated to the realisation of urban air mobility that's safe and sustainable, and Michael's appointment is key to collaborating on the regulatory framework that will help make it possible.”