Republic of Serbia Aims to Catalyze European Adoption of Air Taxis, Selects Archer as Preferred Partner

Key Terms

evtol technical

eVTOL stands for "electric vertical takeoff and landing" aircraft, which are small, electric-powered vehicles capable of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter. They are designed to provide quick, on-demand transportation within cities or between locations, potentially transforming urban mobility. For investors, eVTOLs represent a growing segment of innovative transportation technology with potential for significant market impact and future growth.

advanced air mobility technical

Advanced air mobility involves the development and use of new types of aircraft, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, to transport people and goods through the air more efficiently and safely. It aims to improve urban transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and open up new markets for aerial services. For investors, it represents a growing industry with potential for technological innovation and future economic impact.

urban air mobility technical

Urban air mobility is the emerging system of using small aircraft—often electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles and delivery drones—to move people and goods around cities. Think of it as adding a new layer of roads in the sky that could cut travel time and congestion, but it matters to investors because success depends on technology, safety, regulation, airspace rules and new infrastructure, all of which affect costs, adoption and revenue potential.

rare earth magnets technical

Rare earth magnets are exceptionally strong permanent magnets made from specific metallic elements that act like a very powerful “glue” for creating magnetic fields in tiny spaces. They are key components in electric motors, wind turbines, consumer electronics and defense systems, so their availability and price affect manufacturers’ costs and the profitability and risk of companies that rely on these technologies. Investors watch them as a supply-chain and strategic materials issue that can drive costs, delays and competitive advantage.

• The Republic of Serbia is seeking to catalyze regional adoption of air taxis to drive technological advancement and job creation in the country.
• Serbia was selected to host EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, welcoming over 130 nations and millions of visitors. EXPO 2027 is set to transform Belgrade, leaving behind a legacy of new infrastructure, enhanced connectivity and a dynamic urban landscape that will benefit future generations. The country of Serbia plans to ensure air taxis are a key part of that.
• To support this effort, the Republic of Serbia has signed an agreement with Archer to showcase its Midnight aircraft within the country and has selected the company as its preferred air taxi partner for EXPO 2027.
• The agreement includes an option for Serbia to order an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft.
• In addition, Archer and the Government of the Republic of Serbia plan to explore further development work on industrialization, including rare earth magnets and critical minerals for batteries.

DAVOS, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced a partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia as the country seeks to play a key role in driving the adoption of electric air taxis across Europe. Under the agreement, Serbia has selected Archer as its preferred eVTOL partner and has the option to purchase an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft. The agreement provides for the purchase of up to 25 aircraft, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein and Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland with representatives from the Republic of Serbia.

The agreement was signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in the presence of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein, formally establishing Archer as Serbia’s preferred air taxi partner.

This collaboration builds on Archer’s already announced public-private partnerships to launch air taxis in other international markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan and Korea.

As part of the partnership, Archer will serve as the official air taxi partner for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will take place from May through August 2027. Serbia plans to use the event as a showcase of next-generation transportation, demonstrating the benefits of advanced air mobility to the global audience in attendance.

Serbia was selected to host EXPO 2027 following a competitive international process and is expected to welcome millions of visitors from more than 130 countries. The event is set to drive major investment in infrastructure and transportation, leaving a lasting legacy for Belgrade and the broader region.

“When we were given the opportunity to host such a significant event as Belgrade Expo 2027, we knew that we wanted to take a step forward when it comes to new technologies, technological innovations, artificial intelligence and more. That is why it was important for us to bring the first air taxis to Belgrade, and we look forward to fulfilling that promise,” said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali, who signed the contract on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

“I met the President of Serbia last year at the World Economic Forum where we immediately connected over a shared vision for the future of transportation,” said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation. “The Republic of Serbia presents another demand signal for eVTOL aircraft, and another opportunity to deploy our aircraft and build operational expertise.”

In addition, Archer entered into a strategic dialogue with the Government of the Republic of Serbia to explore further development work on industrialization, including rare earth magnets and critical minerals for batteries.

Serbia’s participation in urban air mobility builds on Archer’s growing international momentum as it prepares for initial commercial operations in multiple global markets. Archer continues to progress its Midnight flight test program and certification activities while expanding partnerships with governments and operators worldwide.

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Source: Archer Aviation
Text: ArcherIR

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer’s business plans and expectations, including statements regarding its aircraft performance, the timing of its development, commercialization, and certification of its eVTOL aircraft, international expansion and plans and anticipated benefits from collaborations with third parties. In addition, this press release refers to a signed agreement that is conditioned on the future execution by the parties of binding definitive agreements incorporating the terms outlined in this signed agreement, which may not be completed or may contain different terms than those set forth in this signed agreement. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is or will be available at www.sec.gov. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

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Source: Archer Aviation