Japan Airlines-led consortium, which features Archer’s Midnight as the intended aircraft, is selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to participate in the first phase of the “eVTOL Implementation Project” in Tokyo
As part of the project, Archer will work alongside Japan Airlines, Sumitomo Corporation and their JV operating company, Soracle, to build an operating ecosystem in Tokyo, which represents a critical step towards ramping commercial operations in the coming years.
Santa Clara, CA – November 5, 2025 – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has announced that a consortium led by Japan Airlines, featuring Archer’s Midnight aircraft, has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to participate in phase one of Tokyo’s “eVTOL Implementation Project.”
The project’s first phase will focus on assessing the market and developing the operating ecosystem for advanced air mobility in Japan. This includes planning demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and along river routes — a key step towards launching commercial operations in the years ahead.
The selection underscores the strength of Archer’s partnership with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation through their joint venture, Soracle, an eVTOL operating company established to advance urban air mobility in Japan.
Archer and Soracle first announced their strategic alliance in November 2024 to jointly introduce air taxi services in cities facing traffic congestion or geographic constraints.
Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, said the Tokyo initiative marks a pivotal moment for eVTOL integration in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
“We applaud the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s eVTOL Implementation Program. The selection of our consortium to be a part of this innovative government approach gives Archer, together with JAL, Sumitomo Corporation and Soracle, a critical opportunity to help make the promise of urban mobility an everyday reality in Tokyo, the world’s largest city.”
Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Innovation at Japan Airlines, echoed the sentiment:
“Japan Airlines is honored to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and our consortium partners on the first phase of the eVTOL Implementation Project.”
The announcement builds on Archer’s growing momentum across the Asia-Pacific region. In October, the company signed an exclusive agreement with Korean Air, which includes the potential purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft — a key milestone in Archer’s international expansion strategy.
About Archer
Archer is designing and developing the enabling technologies and aircraft that will shape the future of sustainable aviation. For more information, visit www.archer.com.
About Japan Airlines
Founded in 1951 as Japan’s first private airline, Japan Airlines (JAL) operates a fleet of 232 aircraft serving 395 airports across 68 countries. Recognised for its service excellence, JAL holds a 5-Star Skytrax rating and “World Class” status from APEX, reflecting its global commitment to safety and innovation.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ARCHER AVIATION. Image is illustrative only and depicts simulated flight operations of Midnight over Tokyo.
