Archer Aviation and Korea-based MaaS platform service KakaoMobility are to jointly participate in the K-UAM Grand Challenge through the planned purchase of up to 50 Midnight eVTOL aircraft worth up to around $250 million, including pre-delivery payments.

KakaoMobility plans to own and operate Archer's Midnight aircraft in Korea, offering electric air taxi flights to its over 30 million registered users on its Kakao T mobile app, starting as early as 2026. KakaoMobility and Archer anticipate starting the service in Seoul, one of the most congested cities in the world, where the average commuter spends nearly 90 minutes per day stuck in traffic.

KakaoMobility, along with its consortium partners LG UPlus Corp and GS E&C, have chosen Archer as their eVTOL aircraft partner to ensure they reach their goal of conducting public demonstration flights with eVTOL aircraft in the country in late 2024. KakaoMobility will pay $7 million in 2024 to Archer as the first instalment to help fund early commercialisation efforts in Korea, with a second instalment in Q1 2025.

Senior vice president Christopher SungWook Chang says: "Our partnership with Archer is a leap forward for urban mobility. We can't wait to debut Archer's Midnight aircraft at the K-UAM Grand Challenge in 2024 as a commitment to transforming the daily commute for millions of Kakao T users. The vision is clear; reduce the hours lost in traffic and elevate everyday travel with an electric air taxi service that features Archer's Midnight aircraft."

Archer CCO Nikhil Goel adds: "Archer is expanding its international launch strategy to South Korea through this landmark partnership. Together, we are committed to revolutionising transportation with Archer's eVTOL aircraft, ushering in a future of cleaner, faster and more efficient travel between and within Korean cities."

The consortium's complementary strengths gives it the ability to work collaboratively to build a comprehensive approach to integrate all-electric air taxis into South Korea's urban transportation landscape. Starting with the K-UAM Grand Challenge, the companies intend to demonstrate how eVTOL aircraft can transform daily commutes in Korea. The collaboration will also focus on building best-in-class infrastructure, including vertiports and air traffic management systems, to ensure safe and efficient operations.