Joby, Archer, Vertical: Meet The Airline-Backed Fleet That Could Replace Your Uber

Core Insights - The electric air taxi industry is transitioning from a concept to a strategic focus for airlines, with significant investments in eVTOL startups [1] - The competition is centered around identifying which eVTOL startup will emerge as the leading player, akin to Tesla in the automotive sector [1] Company Summaries - Joby Aviation: Valued at nearly $5 billion, Joby has partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber, aiming for commercial operations by 2025, integrating air taxis into ride-hailing apps for enhanced consumer adoption [2] - Archer Aviation: Backed by United Airlines, Archer has secured a $1 billion order for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, targeting FAA certification in 2025 and planning to launch in major hub cities [3][4] - Vertical Aerospace: Supported by American Airlines and Japan Airlines, Vertical has completed phase three testing of its VX4 prototype and has around 1,500 preorders, aiming for full certification by 2028 [5] Industry Outlook - The eVTOL sector is gaining momentum similar to early-stage electric vehicle hype, with airline partnerships providing legitimacy and funding, making Joby, Archer, and Vertical key players to watch [6]