Archer Aviation to use Starlink internet in its eVTOL air taxis, possibly enabling autonomous rides (one day)

In what is being described as an “industry-first collaboration” by Archer Aviation, the eVTOL developer will integrate Starlink high-speed satellite internet into its Midnight air taxis.

We also enjoy seeing interesting eVTOL news, but admittedly, our most recent coverage of Archer Aviation ($ACHR) has focused more on its expansions on the ground than on its progress developing its flagship 4-passenger eVTOL, Midnight.

Don’t get me wrong, Archer’s recent plans to establish hubs on both US coasts in support of its pending eVTOL air taxi network are exciting, especially in planned aerial-friendly areas like Miami. While today’s news isn’t a milestone in flight time or aerial maneuvers, it’s still noteworthy (mainly because it involves a company by the name of Starlink).

That’s right, early this morning, Archer Aviation shared plans to work with Starlink to bring high-speed internet connectivity to its eVTOLs and more.

Archer Aviation signs internet agreement with Starlink

According to Archer Aviation, there is an agreement now in place to allow it to install Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet system into its Midnight eVTOL aircraft and test it. At the surface, Starlink could serve as a viable source of high-speed, low-latency internet for passengers during Midnight’s planned public air taxi operations.

The eVTOL developer pointed out that traditional aircraft internet relies on ground towers or geostationary satellites. Starlink’s “LEO constellation” (which produces significant light pollution and orbital congestion above our planet) has been creatively engineered to provide consistent, high-bandwidth coverage.

Additionally, this low-orbiting network of satellites can reach aircraft at low flight altitudes (Air taxis are designed to operate around 1,500 feet). Archer Aviation founder and CEO Adam Goldstein shared the reasoning behind the company’s new agreement with Starlink.

Connectivity is a must have feature for Midnight. Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it. This industry-first collaboration will enable seamless, high-speed connectivity and essential amenities for our passengers and pilots.

In addition to providing its passengers with reliable, fast internet, Archer Aviation plans to use Starlink for communications between Midnight, pilots, and engineering teams on the ground. This could support the eVTOL developer’s air taxi connectivity infrastructure as those plans (hopefully) come to fruition.

There’s one last juicy little tidbit some people may have skimmed right over. This morning’s release also said that Archer and Starlink plan to work together to develop a connectivity solution that can help power the former’s future autonomous aircraft technology.

Could we see Archer Aviation’s autonomous air taxis flying around with seamless, high-speed Starlink connectivity someday? Let’s focus on piloted eVTOL air taxi rides first, shall we? That Jetson-esque future blossoming before our eyes is already an outlandish and awe-inducing thought to digest.

Although I do shiver at the thought of how many influencers are going to be going live on social media during one of these air taxi rides. Are we sure we want that, Starlink? Archer? Kidding… kind of.