Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has acquired Wisk Aero, a company specializing in autonomous air taxis. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of urban air mobility.
Under the terms of the agreement, Boeing, Wisk’s parent company, will transfer ownership of Wisk Aero, along with subsidiaries SkyGrid and Insitu, to Archer. In return, Boeing will receive newly issued Archer shares, amounting to a 16.5% stake in the company post-transaction.
The relationship between Archer and Wisk has been complex. In April 2021, Wisk filed a lawsuit against Archer, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets. The legal battle concluded in 2023 with a settlement that not only resolved the disputes but also initiated a collaboration. As part of the settlement, Archer designated Wisk as its exclusive provider of autonomous technology and granted Wisk the option to purchase over 13 million shares at a nominal price.
Wisk Aero originated from Kitty Hawk, an electric aviation startup backed by Google co-founder Larry Page. In 2019, Kitty Hawk’s Cora program, focusing on autonomous flying taxis, was spun off into a joint venture with Boeing, leading to the formation of Wisk. Boeing invested significantly in Wisk, including a $450 million infusion in early 2022, and by 2023, Wisk became a fully owned subsidiary of Boeing.
Archer, founded in 2018, has been at the forefront of eVTOL development. The company expanded into the defense sector, securing substantial funding rounds, including $430 million in December 2024 and an additional $300 million in 2025. Archer also partnered with defense contractor Anduril to develop hybrid gas-and-electric VTOL aircraft for defense applications. Concurrently, Archer has been advancing its all-electric Midnight aircraft, recently completing a piloted round-trip flight between Salinas Municipal Airport and Monterey Regional Airport, as part of preparations to commence operations under the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
This acquisition signifies a consolidation in the eVTOL industry, potentially accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous air taxis. By integrating Wisk’s autonomous technology with Archer’s eVTOL expertise, the combined entity is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban air mobility.
