Archer, Palantir to develop AI foundation for next-gen aviation tech
US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation (Archer) has forged a strategic partnership with the leading software company, Palantir Technologies Inc. (Palantir) to develop next-generation aviation technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
The alliance aim to advance the development of software solutions that will drive innovation throughout the aviation value chain and enhance efficiency, safety, and affordability.
Under the agreement, the companies will leverage Palantir Foundry and AIP to accelerate Archer’s aircraft manufacturing capabilities at its facilities in Georgia and Silicon Valley.
The aviation industry has historically been constrained by legacy technology and dominated by duopoly in commercial aviation.
Thus, the emergence of AI and advancements in distributed electric propulsion present a significant opportunity for transformative change.
Archer and Palantir plan to work in parallel to develop software solutions for critical aviation systems, including air traffic control, movement control, and route planning.
Strategic move
Alex Karp, co-founder and CEO of Palantir, highlighted the potential of the partnership, stating, “Palantir’s partnership with Archer is redefining the future of flight, making it not only more efficient but also more accessible.”
He added, “By integrating Palantir’s advanced AI capabilities with Archer’s innovative approach to aircraft manufacturing and operations, we are setting the stage for a transformative leap in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
Archer’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of technology in shaping the future of aviation.
“While the aviation industry has an unmatched level of safety, much of the legacy technology supporting the industry has only incrementally advanced. AI and software present an inflexion point that will shape the future of aviation. We’re proud to be partnering with Dr. Karp and the entire Palantir team to build the AI backbone for the next generation of aviation.”
Furthermore, Archer has been making steady progress towards the launch of the commercial operations of its Midnight eVTOL.
The company recently unveiled a “Launch Edition” commercialisation programme, which aims to develop a practical and repeatable commercialisation playbook for deploying Midnight in multiple early adopter markets ahead of the aircraft’s FAA-type certification.
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) will be the first customer, with plans to introduce an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year.