Archer has made major progress in the race for preeminence in passenger eVTOLs.  Recently, the company announced a partnership with United to establish air taxi routes in Chicago. United has already committed to the purchase of 100 Archer aircraft.  A recent deal with Stellantis will help Archer up production and provided funding.  Still, hurdles remain for Archer and all passenger eVTOL manufacturers in the US before commercialization at scale can be realized.

“Leadership Vacuum” at FAA

Nolen was appointed FAA Acting Administrator after former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson left the post in 2022 mid-way through his five year appointment.  The vacancy leaves a gap at the head of the organization during negotiations over an FAA Reauthorization package and continued crises in the manned aircraft industry.  House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) said that Nolen’s departure was “a wakeup call” in a published a statement, calling on President Biden “to fill the FAA’s ever-increasing leadership vacuum with highly qualified people without any further delay.”