Archer Aviation ACES Consortium to Build 250 U.S. Electric Air Taxi Sites

Backed by major aviation and infrastructure partners, the launch of America’s Consortium for Electric Skyways (ACES) marks a significant step toward expanding electric aviation infrastructure across the United States. On July 16, Archer Aviation, together with BETA Technologies and Macquarie Capital, announced the initiative, which aims to develop as many as 250 electric air taxi locations over the coming decade. The consortium intends to create a nationwide foundation that supports the future deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

ACES targets a nationwide electric aviation network

The consortium plans to establish standardized charging infrastructure at airports and vertiports serving electric aircraft across major metropolitan regions. Initial focus areas include United States markets such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York, where growing interest in advanced air mobility is expected to drive future operations. Founding members also intend to expand ACES by bringing additional infrastructure providers, aircraft manufacturers, investors, and other industry stakeholders into the network as development progresses.

Roles of the founding partners

Each founding organization will contribute a distinct capability to accelerate deployment of the network. Archer Aviation intends to establish passenger air taxi services in strategic markets, creating operational demand for the infrastructure. BETA Technologies will provide charging systems based on the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, enabling interoperability across multiple electric aircraft manufacturers. Meanwhile, Macquarie Capital will support strategic planning while assisting with funding, site acquisition, infrastructure development, and construction activities required for future expansion.

Founding partner responsibilities

The following table summarizes the responsibilities assigned to each founding partner within the ACES initiative.

ACES Founding Partner Responsibilities

Supporting advanced air mobility commercialization

The ACES initiative also complements the participation of Archer Aviation and BETA Technologies in the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. Supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the program is designed to advance the commercialization of next-generation aviation technologies. By combining standardized charging infrastructure with coordinated investment and operational planning, the consortium aims to accelerate deployment of electric air mobility services while establishing a scalable ecosystem capable of supporting future eVTOL operations across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is America’s Consortium for Electric Skyways (ACES)?
America’s Consortium for Electric Skyways (ACES) is a collaborative initiative launched by Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, and Macquarie Capital to establish up to 250 electric air taxi sites across the United States during the next decade. The consortium will deploy standardized charging infrastructure at airports and vertiports, encourage participation from additional industry partners, and support the broader commercialization of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft through coordinated investment, infrastructure development, and operational planning.

What role does each founding partner play in the ACES initiative?
Archer Aviation plans to support the network by operating passenger air taxi services in selected markets. BETA Technologies will provide interoperable CCS-based charging hardware suitable for multiple electric aircraft manufacturers. Macquarie Capital will contribute strategic advisory services while helping secure funding and oversee site acquisition, development, and construction. Together, these organizations aim to accelerate the growth of a nationwide infrastructure ecosystem for future electric aviation.