Archer vs. Joby: Who Will Be First to Market in the eVTOL Race?
Introduction
The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market is poised for rapid growth, promising a revolution in urban air mobility. As companies compete to bring their aircraft to market, first-mover advantage is crucial in securing regulatory approvals, investor confidence, and early market share. Two industry leaders, Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, are at the forefront of this race. But which company is better positioned to launch commercial eVTOL services first?
Market Overview
- Current Market Size: $14.36 billion as of early 2025
- Projected Growth: Expected to reach $87.6 billion by 2026, with a 37.2% CAGR
- Long-Term Potential: Forecasted to be a $1 trillion industry by 2040
Company Profiles
Archer Aviation
- Background & Partnerships: Founded in 2018, Archer has secured strategic partnerships, including a major collaboration with Stellantis to support mass production.
- Certification Progress: Received Part 141 Flight Academy approval, a key step towards commercial operations.
- Manufacturing Capabilities: Completed a 400,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Georgia, with production ramp-up planned for early 2025. Aiming to produce two aircraft per month by the end of 2025, scaling to 650 aircraft annually by 2030.
- Revenue Generation Plans: Aiming to generate revenue through eVTOL sales by 2025 and commercial air taxi operations soon after with first operation destination in Abu Dhabi.
Joby Aviation
- Company History & Partnerships: With over 15 years in eVTOL development, Joby has forged partnerships with Toyota, Uber, and Delta Air Lines.
- Certification Progress: Completed three of the five stages for FAA Type Certification, making significant regulatory progress.
- Production Facilities: Joby has yet to announce the completion of a large-scale manufacturing plant, though production capabilities are being expanded.
- Commercial Launch Plans: Planning initial flights in Dubai in 2025 with exclusive operator license for six years, with full-scale operations targeted for later in the year.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Archer Aviation | Joby Aviation |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Progress | Received Part 141 Flight Academy approval | Completed 3/5 FAA Type Certification stages |
| Manufacturing Readiness | 400,000 sq. ft. Georgia facility completed | Expanding production capacity, details limited |
| Commercial Launch Timelines | Revenue generation from eVTOL sales in 2025 | Dubai launch planned for 2025 |
| Strategic Partnerships | Stellantis collaboration for production scaling | Toyota, Uber, Delta Air Lines partnerships |
| Production Targets | Aiming for two aircraft per month by late 2025, scaling to 650 annually by 2030 | Production targets not fully disclosed |
Analysis: Who’s Likely to Be First to Market?
Factors Favoring Archer
- Completed manufacturing facility: Ready to begin production in 2025.
- Clear production ramp-up plan: Targeting two aircraft per month by late 2025.
- Strong industrial backing: Stellantis partnership provides automotive-scale manufacturing expertise.
Factors Favoring Joby
- Longer industry presence: Over 15 years of experience in eVTOL development.
- Diverse partnerships: Collaboration with Toyota, Uber, and Delta Air Lines strengthens market reach.
- Dubai launch plan: Regulatory landscape in the UAE may allow Joby to achieve commercial flights ahead of U.S. competitors.
Conclusion
The race between Archer and Joby remains tight, with both companies shifting focus to the UAE for initial commercial operations. Archer’s completed manufacturing facility and specific production targets give it a tangible advantage in scaling up. However, Joby’s earlier planned launch in Dubai could give it the edge in being first to market with passenger flights.
Archer’s expected delivery of its first revenue-generating aircraft to Abu Dhabi Aviation later in 2025 marks a significant milestone. Meanwhile, Joby’s plans for initial flights in Dubai in the first half of 2025 could see it operating commercially slightly earlier.
Ultimately, the success of these companies will depend not just on being first to market, but on their ability to scale operations, navigate regulatory landscapes, and deliver safe, efficient air taxi services. As the eVTOL market continues to evolve rapidly, both Archer and Joby are well-positioned to play leading roles in shaping the future of urban air mobility.
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