Aerospace

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL to Make European Debut at Paris Air Show 2023

Archer Aviation Inc. and Stellantis N.V. will attend the 54th Paris Air Show, beginning June 19, 2023, to highlight progress on scaling manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft as Archer gets ready for projected commercialization in 2025.

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The eVTOL aircraft on display at the Paris Air Show will be Archer’s Midnight, which will be situated in the middle of the Air Mobility exhibition in Hall 5 at Le Bourget Airport. The Paris Air Show’s Air Mobility event, devoted to the newest advancements and upcoming technologies in eVTOL, will bring together significant actors in this industry for three days of debates on the development of advanced air mobility and its implications for the future of aerospace.

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The Midnight aircraft will be introduced to the market at scale mainly to this exceptional relationship between Archer and Stellantis in the eVTOL aircraft sector. Stellantis is bringing sophisticated manufacturing technology and expertise, experienced staff, and finance to the alliance to supplement Archer’s world-class team of eVTOL aircraft, electric powertrain, and certification experts.

With this combination, Archer hopes to fulfil its commercialization goals by scaling up aircraft production quickly. At the same time, Archer hopes to strengthen its route to commercialization by avoiding spending hundreds of millions of dollars on the manufacturing ramp-up phase.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.