Korean Air Forms Exclusive Partnership with Archer Aviation to Pioneer eVTOL Operations in South Korea
Korean Air and Archer Aviation Inc.have announced a landmark agreement to introduce and commercialize Archer’s cutting-edge Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the Republic of Korea. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Korea’s pursuit of next-generation air mobility solutions and strengthens the nation’s position as a front-runner in the rapidly evolving field of advanced aviation technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Korean Air plans to purchase up to 100 Archer Midnight aircraft as part of a long-term vision to establish an ecosystem for electric air mobility across the country. The partnership will initially focus on government applications before expanding into a range of commercial and civilian use cases, including passenger transport, logistics, and emergency response.
This alliance combines Archer’s leadership in eVTOL design and manufacturing with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace expertise in maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and aviation operations. Together, the two companies aim to accelerate the introduction of sustainable, electric-powered aircraft that can redefine short-distance air travel in South Korea’s dense metropolitan and intercity environments.
Laying the Groundwork for Next-Generation Air Mobility
The partnership between Korean Air and Archer Aviation represents more than just a purchase agreement—it is a strategic collaboration designed to prepare Korea for a new era of urban air mobility (UAM). Korean Air, the nation’s flagship carrier, brings to the table a deep understanding of the Korean regulatory and operational landscape, as well as extensive maintenance and engineering expertise that will be crucial for the safe and efficient rollout of eVTOL operations.
Archer Aviation, a California-based aerospace innovator, is widely recognized for its pioneering work in developing fully electric aircraft designed for quick, quiet, and sustainable urban transport. Its flagship aircraft, the Midnight, is engineered to complete short-haul trips of around 20 miles with minimal recharging time, making it ideally suited for high-frequency urban routes.
Through this collaboration, both companies envision a stepwise roadmap toward commercialization. The partnership will begin by supporting government and public sector missions, such as emergency services, environmental monitoring, and inter-agency transport. Following successful deployment and validation, the program is expected to expand into civilian and business-to-consumer applications, including urban shuttle services and intercity routes that connect major Korean cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Aviation
Archer’s Midnight aircraft stands at the forefront of sustainable aviation innovation. Designed to carry four passengers plus a pilot, the aircraft offers rapid, back-to-back trip capability with minimal downtime. Midnight’s design allows it to perform multiple short flights with only a few minutes of recharging between trips, which is essential for commercial viability in dense urban environments.
The aircraft is also engineered with safety and environmental sustainability as its core principles. Its low-noise profile makes it ideal for operation in urban settings, while its all-electric propulsion system ensures zero in-flight emissions. By replacing 60–90-minute car journeys with 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights, Midnight could dramatically reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and redefine urban transportation efficiency.
In recent flight test campaigns, Archer’s Midnight has demonstrated impressive performance. The aircraft recently completed a series of piloted performance test flights, including its longest and highest flights to date—covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The aircraft’s public debut at the California International Airshow, witnessed by an estimated 50,000 spectators, marked an important milestone in demonstrating the readiness of eVTOL technology for real-world applications.
Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership
Commenting on the partnership, Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, said:
“Korean Air’s expertise in aerospace and their comprehensive strategic vision for the future make them the ideal partner for Archer. We are excited to introduce Midnight alongside them in one of the world’s largest aerospace markets.”
Goldstein emphasized that Korea represents a strategic market for Archer due to its strong government support for future mobility initiatives and its advanced technological infrastructure. “This partnership will allow Archer to demonstrate how eVTOL aircraft can operate efficiently in both public and commercial domains, paving the way for scalable deployment in Asia,” he added.
From Korean Air’s perspective, the collaboration marks a bold step toward shaping the next era of aviation. Jin Kyu Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business, noted:
“This partnership with Archer will accelerate Korea’s leadership in next-generation air mobility. By combining Archer’s industry-leading eVTOL technology with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace MRO and manufacturing expertise and strong commitment to innovation, we aim to lay the foundation for the next generation of air mobility in the Republic of Korea.”
Lim highlighted that Korean Air’s aerospace division has long played a pivotal role in supporting the country’s aviation infrastructure, from aircraft manufacturing and component maintenance to supporting national defense and space programs. Collaborating with Archer aligns seamlessly with Korean Air’s long-term innovation roadmap, which emphasizes sustainability, digital transformation, and mobility diversification.
A Strategic Leap Toward Korea’s Air Mobility Future
South Korea has been actively pursuing urban air mobility (UAM) as part of its national transportation strategy. The Korean government’s K-UAM Roadmap, introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), aims to commercialize urban air mobility services by 2028. The roadmap encourages partnerships between domestic and international technology leaders to build the necessary infrastructure, air traffic systems, and public trust required for successful eVTOL integration.
In this context, the Korean Air–Archer partnership aligns perfectly with the government’s objectives. By leveraging Archer’s proven technology and Korean Air’s operational experience, the collaboration provides a strong foundation for pilot programs, regulatory cooperation, and public awareness initiatives. The early involvement of a global aviation leader like Korean Air also increases confidence in the safety, reliability, and scalability of eVTOL adoption in Korea.
Moreover, Korea’s urban geography—characterized by high population density and traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas—creates a compelling use case for eVTOL transportation. Electric air taxis could become a practical solution for reducing travel times between city centers, airports, and business districts while contributing to carbon reduction goals.
Expanding Market Potential and Economic Impact
The agreement between Korean Air and Archer is not only an aviation milestone but also a potential economic catalyst. The deployment of eVTOL operations will likely stimulate growth in supporting industries, including battery technology, charging infrastructure, air traffic management software, and pilot training programs. Korean Air’s extensive MRO capabilities also position it as a key regional hub for eVTOL maintenance and certification, potentially creating new jobs and business opportunities.
In the longer term, eVTOL integration could transform Korea’s regional connectivity, offering efficient links between cities, industrial clusters, and tourism destinations. As governments and corporations prioritize sustainability, electric aircraft could also play a central role in achieving carbon neutrality targets and supporting the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals.
The Korean Air–Archer alliance represents a transformative step forward in the evolution of air transport. As Archer continues its aircraft certification efforts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and prepares for scaled production, the partnership provides a gateway for the company’s technology to expand into the Asia-Pacific market—one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the world.
For Korean Air, the collaboration reinforces its position at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. By being among the first global airlines to integrate eVTOL technology into its strategic roadmap, Korean Air is not only investing in the future of flight but also redefining its role as a mobility enabler in the digital, electric, and autonomous era.
As the project progresses from testing to commercialization, both companies are expected to work closely with Korean regulatory authorities, urban planners, and infrastructure developers to build the necessary ecosystem for eVTOL operations—ensuring that the skies above Korea become a new dimension of accessible, sustainable mobility.