Bloomberg Businessweek

Episode: Archer CEO Adam Goldstein on Upcoming Air Taxi Trials In US
Date: January 9, 2026
Host(s): Carol Massar, Tim Stenovec
Guest: Adam Goldstein, Founder & CEO of Archer Aviation

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the rapidly evolving world of electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft—specifically, the imminent real-world trials of Archer Aviation’s air taxi services in major US cities. Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO, discusses the regulatory process, financial runway, business strategy, and wider market prospects for urban aerial mobility, offering frank insights on timelines, certification hurdles, and what urban air taxis could cost consumers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EVTOL Integration Pilot Program (EIPP) and US Trials

• Background:
  The FAA is reviewing applications from Archer and other EVTOL makers in the initial phase of the EIPP, with plans for selected cities to begin air taxi operations as soon as summer 2026.
  • Adam Goldstein (01:36): "It's expected that five cities will ultimately get named and then ultimately will start flying later this year in the summer time period."
• City Partnerships:
  Beyond their exclusivity in Huntington Beach, Archer is focused on major metropolitan areas and aligning efforts with major events such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

2. Community Acceptance and Technology Demonstration

• Waymo Analogy:
  The program’s success hinges on public trust in EVTOL safety and reliability, mirroring how autonomous vehicles gradually built acceptance.
  • Adam Goldstein (02:24): "You should think about this as the industry's almost like Waymo moment...get the local communities comfortable, prove they're safe, prove they're quiet, and really show that the technology is here and it's ready."

3. Financial Viability and Cash Burn

• Current Burn & Funding:
  Archer is pre-revenue but claims to have industry-leading cash reserves following the 2025 close, with a strategy focused on surviving the certification period and scaling methodically.
  • Adam Goldstein (05:26): "We finished the year with nearly $2 billion of cash on hand...lower burn than our competitors...We have plenty of cash to last us...into the commercial phase."
• Market Potential:
  Significant analyst optimism exists for this industry, potentially reaching "multitrillion dollar" valuations, but only 2–3 major players are expected to succeed at meaningful scale.

4. Alternate Certification Paths & Defense Sector

• Olympics Contingency:
  Failing US certification before 2028 would see Archer pivot to parallel international and defense avenues.
  • Adam Goldstein (06:30): "We launched last year in Abu Dhabi...we have a secondary path that we're going through in certifying those aircrafts around."
• Defense Collaboration:
  Partnership with Anduril on a hybrid vertical lift aircraft for potential multi-billion-dollar defense applications.
  • Adam Goldstein (07:01): "[We’re] building a new full scale vertical lift hybrid aircraft...for defense applications that we do expect a program to get announced into the many, many billions of dollars."

5. Business Model: Sales vs. Operations

• Initial Focus:
  Archer will primarily sell aircraft in the first decade, viewing direct operation as a future opportunity once autonomy matures and costs fall.
  • Adam Goldstein (07:57): "We will focus primarily on the sales side of things for the, I'll call it, the early...years of this industry."
• Customer Segments:
  Anticipated buyers include hospitals, tourism/VIP providers, and operators for airport transfers (e.g., Manhattan to Newark).

6. Safety & Regulatory Certification

• Perceived vs. Actual Risk:
  EVTOLs are pitched as much safer than helicopters, meeting rigorous FAA safety standards akin to large commercial airliners.
  • Adam Goldstein (09:09): "This is a significantly safer helicopter...That's an FAA statement...certifying at very high levels of safety."

7. Cost Targets and Consumer Pricing

• Unit Cost:
  Aims to bring per-aircraft production cost down to $2.5 million.
  • Adam Goldstein (09:46): "Our goal is to get the cost of the aircraft down to two and a half million."
• End-User Pricing:
  Goal is for rides to price on par with premium rideshare—think Uber Black—eventually even cheaper with scale.
  • Adam Goldstein (09:46): "You get down to prices...similar to high end of rideshare."
  • Tim Stanovec (10:25): "So you're talking maybe like a ride from Midtown to LaGuardia that would cost maybe under $100, similar to like a..."
  • Adam Goldstein (10:33): "So somewhere around those type of prices."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community Acceptance
  Adam Goldstein (02:24):
  "We have to put these aircrafts in the air, get the local communities comfortable with them, prove that they're safe, prove that they're quiet and really show that the technology is here and it's ready."

• On Financial Runway
  Adam Goldstein (05:26):
  "We finished the year with nearly $2 billion of cash on hand...lower burn than our competitors..."

• On Safety Standards
  Adam Goldstein (09:09):
  "This is a significantly safer helicopter...That's...an FAA statement...certifying at very high levels of safety."

• On Long-Term Vision
  Adam Goldstein (07:57):
  "...By selling the aircraft, it enables us to put production through the factory, get the pricing down...ultimately, when autonomy comes...then think about scaling our own internal airline."

• On Pricing Parity with Rideshares
  Tim Stanovec (10:25):
  "A ride from Midtown to LaGuardia that would cost maybe under $100..." Adam Goldstein (10:33):
  "...Uber Black...probably cost you $150, $200. So somewhere around those type of prices."

Important Timestamps

• 01:36 – Adam Goldstein outlines city selection and trial timeline.
• 02:24 – Discussion on community acceptance and the 'Waymo moment.'
• 05:26 – Details on Archer's cash position and burn rate.
• 06:30 – Plans in case US certification is delayed; international and defense strategies.
• 07:57 – Explanation of Archer’s sales-first model, customer focus, and operational timeline.
• 09:09 – Safety comparisons between EVTOLs and helicopters, certification standards.
• 09:46 – Target production cost and predicted pricing for end users.
• 10:25–10:33 – Real-world ride pricing projections.

Tone and Style Notes

Adam Goldstein speaks candidly and optimistically about both hurdles and achievements. The conversation is direct but hopeful, with a focus on transparency about Archer’s strategy, financials, and regulatory steps, as well as enthusiasm about redefining urban transportation.

Summary prepared for those seeking a comprehensive yet concise rundown of Archer Aviation’s 2026 ambitions and the air taxi industry’s next big leaps, as discussed on Bloomberg Businessweek.