InterGlobe Enterprises ties up with US-based Archer for air taxi service

InterGlobe Enterprises, a major shareholder in IndiGo, has announced a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation Inc, a US-based company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to introduce and operate an all-electric air taxi service in India.

Key Players in the Partnership

• InterGlobe Enterprises, a majority shareholder in IndiGo.
• Archer Aviation Inc, a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed company specializing in eVTOL aircraft.

Vision and Opportunity

• InterGlobe sees the partnership as an opportunity to provide a futuristic, sustainable, and cost-competitive air transport solution in India.
• Archer views India as a significant market for eVTOL aircraft, given its large population and urban congestion challenges.

The All-Electric Midnight Aircraft

• Archer’s flagship aircraft, the Midnight, is an all-electric piloted eVTOL designed for vertical takeoff and landing.
• The aircraft is capable of rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between operations.

Addressing Urban Congestion

• Urban congestion is a growing concern globally, with projections of doubled urban populations by 2050.
• Archer’s electric air taxi service aims to offer a low-noise, sustainable, and efficient alternative to ground transportation.

Strategic Goals and Operations

• The partnership intends to work with in-country business partners to operate Archer’s aircraft.
• Plans include financing and building vertiport infrastructure and training personnel for smooth operations.

Scale of Operations

• The parties plan to finance the acquisition of up to 200 Archer Midnight aircraft for operations in India.
• Initial focus cities include Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

• The goal is to transform mobility across Indian cities, providing quick and efficient transportation solutions.
• For example, a 27 km trip from Connaught Place to Gurugram could be reduced from 60-90 minutes by car to approximately 7 minutes with Archer’s electric air taxi.

Diverse Applications

• Beyond passenger transportation, the partnership envisions various uses for the electric aircraft, including cargo, logistics, medical and emergency services, as well as private company and charter services.

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