a startup Archer Aviation Inc.backed by United Airlines unveiled its future Maker in Los Angeles, one of the cities where the company expects to ferry customers to and from the airport.
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The so-called Maker electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle will have a range of 60 miles and fly at 150 mph when it enters commercial service in 2024.
Archer executives unveiled their new Maker vehicle at an event Thursday night in Hawthorne, California, about five miles from Los Angeles International Airport. The company also plans to expand to Miami. Airlines and other companies see a future where eVTOLs help reduce traffic congestion by moving passengers in small, electric aircraft with zero carbon emissions.
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United Airlines Holdings Inc. has invested $20 million in Archer, which said in February it plans to merge with a special-purpose acquisition company overseen by Ken Moelis later this year. That deal valued the startup at $3.8 billion. United also plans to acquire up to 200 Makers from Archer if the aircraft meets its performance and operational needs.
The manufacturer's public debut came on the same day that United rival American Airlines Group Inc.said it would pre-order 250 four-seat VA-X4 electric aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd.American also said it had invested $25 million in Vertical.
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Maker's development has been overshadowed by litigation. The developer of rival Wisk Aero sued Archer in U.S. court in April, accusing it of stealing its technology. Wisk, a company backed by Boeing Co.and Google billionaire Larry Page who owns Kitty Hawk Corp., alleges that former employees took files and secret plans from the company before working for Archer.
On June 1, Archer filed a motion denying Wisk's claims and asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
