Company Overview - Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) is an advanced aerospace engineering company developing one of the world's first hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Cavorite X7 eVTOL [5]. Upcoming Events - Horizon Aircraft management will participate in the Gabelli Aerospace & Defense Symposium on September 4, 2025, in New York City, including a fireside chat and 1x1 investor meetings [1]. - On the same day, management will also attend the Deutsche Bank Aviation Forum for 1x1 investor meetings [2]. - From September 8-10, 2025, management will participate in the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference in New York City, focusing on 1x1 investor meetings [3]. - Horizon Aircraft will be present at the Rare Earth Mines, Magnets and Motors 2025 event on September 23-24 in Toronto, where management will participate in a panel discussion and showcase a large-scale prototype [4]. Product Development - The Cavorite X7 eVTOL is designed to fly most missions like a normal aircraft while offering industry-leading speed, range, and operational utility, with a focus on safety and performance [5].

Core Insights - Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR) shares have increased by 169.2% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Aerospace - Defense industry's growth of 16.1, raising questions among potential investors about the timing of investment [1][7] Market Potential - The global eVTOL aircraft market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54.9% from 2024 to 2030, driven by advancements in battery technology that enhance eVTOL capabilities [2] Strategic Partnerships - Archer Aviation is collaborating with United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) to establish an air taxi network and with Stellantis N.V. (STLA) to increase manufacturing capacity [3] - The company is launching its first air taxi service in Abu Dhabi, which could facilitate similar services in the U.S. and help secure FAA approval [3][7] - Archer Aviation's partnership with defense startup Anduril aims to develop hybrid eVTOL aircraft for military applications, while collaboration with Palantir Technologies Inc. focuses on AI software for aviation systems [4] Growth Opportunities - These partnerships are expected to bolster Archer Aviation's growth, particularly as global tensions may lead to increased defense spending, benefiting the company's exploration of defense markets [5] Financial Outlook - Archer Aviation is anticipated to report a loss of 19 cents per share in the upcoming earnings report, with minimal recent revenue generation [6] - Historical stock performance indicates that Archer Aviation's shares are more influenced by positive news than financial results, with potential declines expected if management does not provide optimistic updates [9] Investor Sentiment - Current shareholders may feel encouraged to retain their shares due to ongoing partnerships and the expected progress of the Abu Dhabi project, along with likely FAA approvals [6] - Positive news regarding production plans or test flights could lead to an increase in stock value, while lack of such updates may result in a decline [10]

Core Insights - Joby Aviation is advancing towards FAA certifications for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is a primary focus for investors [1] - Joby has announced a collaboration with L3Harris Technologies to develop hybrid eVTOL aircraft for defense applications, which is expected to enhance investor sentiment [2][4] - The partnership aims to start test flights in the coming months, with demonstrations targeted for government use by 2026 [4] Company Developments - Joby has a history of working with the Department of Defense (DoD), having received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force in 2020, marking a significant milestone for eVTOL companies [6] - The CEO of Joby highlighted the company's readiness to demonstrate and deploy dual-purpose technologies developed in collaboration with the DoD [5] - Archer Aviation is also pursuing defense applications, having secured a contract worth up to $142 million with the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to assess eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes [8] Industry Context - The U.S. defense budget is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2026, indicating substantial opportunities for both Joby and Archer in the defense market [12] - The competition between Joby and Archer in the eVTOL market is intensifying, with both companies committed to expanding their operations beyond civilian air taxi services [10] - Partnerships with major defense contractors like L3Harris and Anduril are not mutually exclusive, suggesting a collaborative growth potential within the industry [11]

Core Viewpoint - Both Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are emerging leaders in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, attracting investor interest as they prepare for commercial operations [1][2]. Archer Aviation - Archer Aviation is pursuing a dual strategy by selling its Midnight eVTOL aircraft to operators and offering a direct-to-consumer aerial ride-share service [4]. - The company has secured significant agreements, including a deal with United Airlines for up to $1.5 billion in eVTOL purchases, and partnerships with Abu Dhabi Aviation and Ethiopian Airlines [5]. - Archer is also exploring defense applications through a partnership with Anduril to develop hybrid eVTOL aircraft, aiming for contracts with the Department of Defense and NATO allies [6][7]. Joby Aviation - Joby Aviation adopts a vertically integrated approach, developing components in-house and planning to manufacture and operate its aircraft rather than selling them to other companies [9]. - The company has strong backing from major investors like Toyota, which is investing up to $894 million, and partnerships with Uber and Delta Air Lines to enhance its transportation services [10][11]. - Joby's strategy positions it for substantial upside potential, particularly in airport transfer services for Delta passengers [11]. Investment Considerations - Both companies represent significant opportunities in the evolving travel industry, with Archer appealing to those interested in defense applications and Joby attracting investors focused on transportation services [12][13].