Archer Aviation Inc. Will integrate Starlink’s satellite internet service into its Midnight air taxis, the companies announced Friday, marking the first time Starlink technology will be used in the emerging air mobility sector.
The agreement will see Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system installed in Archer’s piloted, all-electric Midnight aircraft for testing, with the goal of providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity during flights. Archer intends the service to offer passengers internet access and to facilitate communication between the aircraft, pilots and ground-based engineering teams, according to a company statement.
“Connectivity is a must have feature for Midnight,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it.”
Midnight is designed to transport up to four passengers and is engineered with multiple redundant systems – including 12 engines and propellers – to achieve safety levels comparable to commercial airliners. Archer is currently developing infrastructure to support a network of air taxi routes, including planned hubs on both U.S. Coasts.
Unlike traditional aircraft connectivity solutions that rely on ground towers or geostationary satellites, Starlink’s LEO constellation is designed to provide consistent coverage, even at low altitudes and in urban environments where cellular service can be unreliable. The system operates at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet.
Archer and Starlink also plan to collaborate on developing connectivity solutions for Archer’s future autonomous aircraft development efforts. The collaboration was described as “industry-first” by Archer Aviation.
