Archer Aviation Acquires Wisk Aero and Two Other Units from Boeing
Archer Aviation has announced that it will acquire Boeing's electric aircraft firm Wisk Aero and two other units, giving Boeing a nearly 20% stake in the air-taxi maker. The deal includes drone maker Insitu and airspace-services provider SkyGrid, which will provide Archer with access to Boeing's autonomous-flight technology.
The acquisition is part of Boeing's effort to streamline its portfolio and focus on its core commercial and defense aircraft businesses. Despite years of investment, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector has yet to prove that air taxis can be certified, built at scale, and operated at prices attractive to everyday customers.
Under the deal, Boeing and Archer will establish a collaboration and technology-sharing agreement that preserves Boeing's access to Wisk's core autonomous-flight technology. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said that the acquisition will allow the company to start generating significant revenue immediately in a major growth market.