Boeing Exits eVTOL Business, Sells Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation

Boeing is abandoning its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) business after selling three subsidiaries to Archer Aviation. The deal gives Archer a 19.75% stake in Boeing's Class A shares, options to purchase more over the next four years, and access to advanced autonomous flight technology.

The subsidiaries being sold are Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid, which provide autonomous electric flight tech, unmanned aircraft systems, and air traffic management software respectively. Archer's Midnight air taxi is designed for short urban flights with a pilot on board, but the company now also has access to Wisk's aircraft that can fly autonomously without a pilot.

Boeing retains access to Wisk's autonomous flight technology through a separate collaboration and technology-sharing arrangement. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, with Archer's stock jumping 18% on the news.