Korean Air has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to introduce the company’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in South Korea, marking one of the first major airline commitments to advanced air mobility in Asia.
Announced on October 20, 2025, the partnership gives Korean Air exclusive rights to commercialize Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Korea. The deal includes the potential purchase of up to 100 aircraft that could be deployed across a range of applications — beginning with government use and eventually expanding to commercial passenger services.
According to the companies, the collaboration aligns with South Korea’s national strategy to accelerate adoption of eVTOL technology. The country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has designated urban air mobility as a key government priority since 2022, aiming to reduce congestion and emissions in metropolitan areas.
“This partnership with Archer will accelerate Korea’s leadership in next-generation air mobility,” said Jin Kyu Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business. “By combining Archer’s industry-leading eVTOL technology with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace MRO and manufacturing expertise, we aim to lay the foundation for the next generation of air mobility in the Republic of Korea.”
Archer founder and Chief Executive Adam Goldstein said Korean Air’s aerospace experience and “comprehensive strategic vision for the future” made it the ideal partner. “We are excited to introduce Midnight alongside them in one of the world’s largest aerospace markets,” he said.
Exclusive partnership
The partnership will see the two companies work together to prepare for the commercialization of Midnight in Korea. Korean Air will leverage its extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network and aviation manufacturing experience to support certification, infrastructure, and operational readiness in South Korea.
Archer said the arrangement will allow Korea to “lead in adopting advanced aviation technologies” while laying the groundwork for broad eVTOL use across logistics, government, and passenger transport sectors.
The agreement remains subject to final binding contracts, according to Archer’s regulatory disclosure. The memorandum of understanding outlines the framework for eventual aircraft purchases and deployment but may evolve as technical and certification milestones are achieved.
Midnight’s progress and potential
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted four-passenger eVTOL designed for short-haul urban and regional flights. The aircraft aims to perform rapid back-to-back operations with minimal charging time between flights.
Archer claims the Midnight could replace 60- to 90-minute car commutes with electric air taxi flights of 10 to 20 minutes, offering a quiet, low-emission, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation.
The company has made steady flight-test progress this year. During a recent demonstration at the California International Airshow, an estimated 50,000 spectators watched the Midnight perform a series of maneuvers. Archer reported the aircraft has completed its longest piloted flight — 55 miles in 31 minutes— and reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, marking key performance milestones ahead of FAA certification testing.
Korean Air’s broader ambitions
Korean Air’s Aerospace Division supports US military operations in Asia and contributes to national research programs focused on unmanned aircraft, urban air mobility, and stealth technology.
Korean Air plans to work with Archer to bring electric air taxis into its future operations as part of the airline’s push toward cleaner and more efficient aviation.
If the agreement moves forward, South Korea would be among the first countries outside the United States to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
source
