Electric air taxi maker Archer partners with Serbia in global markets push

• Serbia will have the option to purchase an initial fleet with a commitment of up to 25 Midnight aircraft, adding to Archer's order book
• The partnership builds on Archer's international expansion into UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and South Korea, following its selection as air-taxi provider for the Los Angeles 2028 Games
• Archer will explore development work with Serbia on industrialization, including rare-earth magnets and critical minerals for batteries

Summary: Archer Aviation Partners with Serbia for Electric Air Taxi Expansion

Key Development:

Archer Aviation announced a partnership with Serbia on January 21, making it the country's preferred electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft partner. The agreement was signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Deal Terms:

• Serbia has the option to purchase an initial fleet of Archer's Midnight aircraft
• The country will buy up to 25 aircraft total
• Archer will serve as the official air taxi partner for EXPO 2027 Belgrade (May-August 2027)

Market Context:

Needham analyst Chris Pierce described the order as "a positive" for Archer's order book but noted that demonstrating the full flight envelope for the Midnight aircraft would be "more meaningful." The electric air taxi sector is experiencing growing demand for faster, sustainable urban transportation alternatives.

Global Expansion Strategy:

Archer is pursuing international growth through public-private partnerships in multiple markets, including:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Previously named official air-taxi provider for Los Angeles 2028 Games

Additional Opportunities:

Archer has entered discussions with the Serbian government to explore industrialization development, specifically focusing on rare-earth magnets and critical minerals for batteries—key components for electric aircraft production.

Industry Implications:

The partnership reflects the accelerating commercialization efforts of eVTOL manufacturers as they work to establish international footholds and expand order books ahead of planned service launches in the late 2020s.