ARCHER ACQUIRES BOEING'S EVTOL UNIT WISK AERO

Boeing is selling three electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) subsidiaries to San Jose-based Archer Aviation while taking an undisclosed stake in the company. The acquisition includes Wisk Aero, which develops autonomous electric aircraft; SkyGrid, which is building air traffic management systems for urban air taxis; and Insitu, a maker of high-altitude drones used by the US Navy. Wisk and Archer were once embroiled in litigation over trade secrets, making this acquisition a notable reconciliation in the competitive eVTOL sector. The deal strengthens Archer's portfolio ahead of its planned commercial air taxi operations and provides Boeing an investment position in a leading autonomous aircraft developer. The transaction underscores Boeing's strategic shift to focus on its core commercial and defense operations while maintaining exposure to emerging air mobility markets.