Boeing Sells Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu to Archer Aviation for Undisclosed Stake

Boeing is selling three subsidiaries to Archer Aviation in exchange for an undisclosed equity stake in the latter. The three units are Wisk Aero, which develops autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft; SkyGrid, which builds air traffic management systems for air taxis; and Insitu, a maker of high-altitude drones that has supplied customers including the US Navy. Upon completion of the transaction, Boeing will retain participation in the related technologies through its shareholding in Archer.

Brian Yutko, Boeing's vice president of commercial aircraft product development, said the transaction would enable Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu to accelerate capability development and shorten time-to-market, while ensuring Boeing reaps returns from two decades of technology investment through the continued growth of its core businesses. Archer said the acquisition would strengthen its position in eVTOL aircraft and related network development, and expand its military business portfolio through Insitu.

Archer chief executive Adam Goldstein called the transaction a key step in the company's evolution into a diversified platform, rapidly expanding its revenue base and business scale. Archer plans to launch commercial eVTOL flight services by end-2026 or early 2027 and hopes the acquisitions of Wisk and SkyGrid will complete its product line, particularly through Wisk's autonomous flight technology. Boeing, for its part, is further focusing on commercial aircraft, defense and space by divesting non-core businesses.

Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg, who took office in August 2024, has repeatedly stressed the need to concentrate on improving the company's three main businesses. In October 2024, he said Boeing needed to reset its priorities and build a leaner, more focused organisational structure.