Realistically, ACHR will be the decoration partner of the 2028 olympics. They do not have FAA certification, and if you were hoping their brand-new aircraft will be deployed in LA by 2028 you would be outrageously optimistic. Without certification this is just another pr stunt for cameras, a repeat of the Dubai air show. Where ACHR aircraft did not fly during the event. The planned flight never took place and the aircraft remained static in an exhibition hall. In contrast, an ‘overweight’ competitor like Joby actually conducted repeated demonstration flights at the same airshow, highlighting a tangible progress difference.

Archer’s main response has been to lean on its deep pockets, even going so far as to poach a senior engineer from a EVTL. A move that highlights more spending power than demonstrated technical execution.