Archer Aviation (ACHR) Partners with Starlink Ahead of Earnings as CEO Calls Connectivity “A Must Have”

Archer Aviation Inc. ACHR -3.52% ▼ said it will work with Starlink to bring high-speed internet to its Midnight air taxi. The deal marks Starlink’s first move into the air taxi market. Archer plans to install Starlink’s low-Earth orbit system into the aircraft and begin testing.

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Midnight is Archer’s piloted electric air taxi built to carry up to four riders, with the company claiming to target safety levels similar to those of airliners. Now, Archer wants to add steady, low-delay internet to that mix.

Meanwhile, ACHR shares dropped 3.52% on Friday, closing at $7.12. Archer is due to report its fourth-quarter earnings tomorrow, March 2.

More Than Passenger WiFi

At first glance, this looks like a comfort upgrade. However, the plan goes beyond letting riders check email during a short flight. Archer said it will use Starlink not only for passenger access, but also for links between the aircraft, pilots, and ground teams.

In the release, Chief Executive Officer Adam Goldstein said, “Connectivity is a must-have feature for Midnight. Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it.” He added that the deal will enable “seamless, high-speed connectivity and essential amenities for our passengers and pilots.”

In addition, Archer said it plans to work with Starlink to build a system that could support future autonomous aircraft. That matters because as air taxis scale, they will need steady data links for flight data, updates, and fleet control. In short, these aircraft are flying computers, and computers need a stable internet.

Unlike older systems that rely on ground-based towers or high-orbit satellites, Starlink uses a low-Earth-orbit network. Archer said this setup is designed to provide strong coverage even at a low altitude of about 1,500 feet and in dense city areas where cell service can drop. Since Archer aims to offer 5 to 15-minute trips across cities, steady coverage at low height is key.

What It Means for Investors

For now, this deal does not change Archer’s near-term path. The company is still working toward type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. Commercial service has not yet begun, and revenue will depend on approval and fleet build-out.

That said, the Starlink deal helps Archer show that it is building a full system, not just an aircraft. Reliable internet can support safety, fleet control, and future AI-based features.

Meanwhile, for Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX, this opens a new market. If urban air mobility grows, each aircraft could become a steady subscriber. As a result, the deal hints at how space-based internet could become part of daily city travel.

Overall, the news is a tech step forward rather than a financial turning point. Investors will still focus on certification, production, and launch timelines. Even so, adding Starlink may help Archer present Midnight as a connected, future-ready aircraft as it moves closer to commercial service.

Is Archer Aviation Stock a Good Buy?

The Street analysts are relatively optimistic about the company’s prospects. Based on three recent ratings, Archer Aviation boasts a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average ACHR stock price target of $11.50. This implies a 61.52% upside from the current price.

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