Boeing Acquires Wisk Aero and Expands Stake in Advanced Air Mobility Market
Boeing has announced that it will acquire Archer Aviation's rival Wisk Aero in an all-stock transaction, expanding its asset sales. The deal will make Boeing the largest outside shareholder in Archer, with a significant financial stake in the advanced air mobility market.
As part of the agreement, Boeing and Archer will enter into a cross-licensing agreement that will allow Boeing to use Wisk's core autonomous flight technology for its current and future commercial and defense aircraft. This is seen as a nod to growing preparations for Boeing's eventual 737 successor.
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein stated in a joint interview with Brian Yutko, Boeing's vice president of commercial airplanes product development and Wisk's previous CEO, that the acquisition will provide a ready source of engineering talent as it ramps up development of the hybrid-electric loyal wingman drone. The deal also includes Boeing investing up to $55 million in an upcoming Archer funding round.