Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Files Lawsuit Against Archer Over Espionage Claims
Joby Aviation accuses Archer of corporate espionage over stolen trade secrets in eVTOL market ahead of FAA certification.
Joby Aviation Initiates Legal Action Against Archer Over Alleged Corporate Espionage
The race to dominate the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market has taken a litigious turn as of November 20, 2025. We are observing a significant escalation in the rivalry between two industry leaders, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Joby has filed a lawsuit in the California Superior Court, Santa Cruz County, accusing its competitor of “corporate espionage” and the misappropriation of trade secrets. This legal maneuver marks a critical moment in the sector, shifting the battleground from engineering hangars to the courtroom.
According to the complaint made public on Thursday, the allegations center on the transfer of proprietary data by a former employee who transitioned between the two companies. This lawsuit comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as both entities are burning significant cash reserves to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and launch commercial air taxi operations. The timing of this dispute highlights the intense pressure to secure not just technological superiority, but also the logistical infrastructure required for future networks.
We note that the market reacted swiftly to the news. Following the announcement of the lawsuit, shares of Joby Aviation fell approximately 4.5%, while Archer Aviation saw a decline of roughly 8-9%. These financial fluctuations underscore the sensitivity of investor confidence in a pre-revenue industry where intellectual property and competitive advantages are paramount assets.
The Core Allegations: Personnel and Proprietary Data
The lawsuit focuses specifically on the actions of George Kivork, formerly Joby’s head of U.S. state and local policy. Kivork resigned from his position at Joby in July 2025 to join Archer Aviation. Joby alleges that prior to his departure, Kivork engaged in a “planned and premeditated” effort to steal confidential information. Forensic investigations cited in the complaint reportedly reveal that the former employee transferred dozens of confidential files to a personal email account and downloaded others to an external device just days before resigning.
The nature of the allegedly stolen data suggests that the dispute extends beyond aircraft engineering into the strategic roadmap of commercial operations. The files in question reportedly contained proprietary analysis regarding vertiport sites,the takeoff and landing pads essential for air taxi networks,as well as regulatory strategies, aircraft specifications, and confidential partnership terms. By targeting policy and infrastructure data, the lawsuit suggests that the value of trade secrets in this sector is as much about regulatory navigation and real estate as it is about battery density or aerodynamics.
Archer Aviation has firmly denied these accusations. In response to the filing, the company described the claims as being “without merit.” Archer’s defense rests on the assertion that the employee in question was not involved in technical work and that the company maintains rigorous onboarding processes designed specifically to prevent the utilization of data from former employers. This “he-said, she-said” dynamic sets the stage for a complex legal discovery process.
“Joby claims Archer engaged in ‘planned and premeditated’ corporate espionage by hiring a former Joby employee who allegedly stole proprietary data before his departure.”
The “Smoking Gun”: Real Estate and Infrastructure Interference
One of the most specific and damaging allegations in the complaint involves the interference with a real estate deal. Joby claims to have uncovered evidence that shortly after Kivork joined the competitor, Archer approached a real estate developer with whom Joby held an exclusive partnership. The complaint alleges that Archer offered a “more lucrative deal” to this developer, leveraging inside knowledge of Joby’s existing contract terms.
This specific incident is presented as a “smoking gun” in the lawsuit. Joby asserts that this interference caused the developer to attempt to terminate their agreement, directly impacting Joby’s operational planning. This moves the allegations from the theoretical theft of digital files to concrete business damages. In the “winner-takes-most” environment of urban air mobility, securing prime real estate for vertiports is a zero-sum game, making detailed knowledge of a competitor’s real estate strategy incredibly valuable.
We must consider the broader implications of this specific claim. If proven true, it suggests that the competitive landscape has become aggressive enough to involve direct targeting of supply chain and infrastructure partners. This type of interference could complicate future negotiations for all players in the eVTOL space, as developers and municipalities may become wary of exclusive agreements in such a volatile competitive environment.
Financial Context and the Certification Race
To understand the gravity of this lawsuit, we must look at the financial health and operational status of both companies as of the third quarter of 2025. Both Joby and Archer are pre-revenue regarding commercial operations and are operating with significant net losses as they push toward certification. Joby reported a net loss of approximately $401 million in Q3 2025, while holding a cash position of roughly $978 million. Archer, bolstered by a recent equity raise, reported a cash position of approximately $1.64 billion against a net loss of roughly $130 million.
In terms of technical progress, the race remains tight. As of November 2025, Joby is in the final stage (Stage 4 of 5) of the FAA Type Certification process and has commenced “power-on testing” of its first FAA-conforming aircraft. They expect FAA pilots to begin flight testing in early 2026. Archer is following closely, having completed “transition flying” with its Midnight aircraft and securing Part 135 and Part 145 certificates. Archer also expects to begin piloted “for credit” flight testing by late 2025 or early 2026.
This is not the first time Archer has faced trade secret litigation. In 2021, Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing, sued Archer for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to aircraft design. That case was settled in August 2023, resulting in a Partnerships where Archer agreed to utilize Wisk’s autonomous flight technology. The recurrence of such high-profile legal disputes suggests that intellectual property litigation is becoming a standard tool in the fierce competition to define the future of Electric-Aviation.
Concluding Section
The lawsuit filed by Joby Aviation against Archer Aviation represents a significant friction point in the eVTOL industry’s trajectory. As both companies approach the finish line for FAA certification, the battle for market dominance is intensifying. The allegations of corporate espionage and interference with infrastructure deals highlight that the challenges facing these companies are not solely aerodynamic or regulatory, but also deeply rooted in corporate strategy and security.
As we look toward 2026, the outcome of this legal battle could have profound implications for the industry. Beyond the potential for financial damages or injunctions, the case will likely scrutinize how talent and information move between competitors in a highly specialized, narrow labor market. For investors and industry observers, this serves as a reminder that in the race to revolutionize urban transport, the legal risks may be just as volatile as the technical ones.
FAQ
Question: When was the lawsuit filed?
Answer: Joby Aviation filed the lawsuit on November 20, 2025.
Question: What are the main allegations against Archer Aviation?
Answer: Joby alleges “corporate espionage,” claiming a former employee stole proprietary data regarding vertiport sites, regulatory strategies, and partnership terms to help Archer.
Question: Who is the employee at the center of the dispute?
Answer: The complaint names George Kivork, Joby’s former head of U.S. state and local policy, who joined Archer in July 2025.
Question: How did the stock market react to the news?
Answer: Following the news, Joby Aviation shares fell approximately 4.5%, and Archer Aviation shares dropped between 8% and 9%.
Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Selects Astronics for Valo eVTOL Power System
Vertical Aerospace picks Astronics CorePower for Valo eVTOL low-voltage power distribution as the program advances toward CDR.
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has selected Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, securing a critical component as the manufacturers advances toward its Critical Design Review (CDR).
In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the London-based aerospace company announced the long-term agreement with the New York-based supplier. Astronics will provide its CorePower system, which is designed to convert high-voltage power from the aircraft’s propulsion architecture into low-voltage power required for avionics, flight controls, and other essential flight systems.
Power distribution architecture
The integration of the CorePower system addresses a fundamental engineering requirement for electric aviation. The system manages the step-down conversion from the high-voltage battery and propulsion networks to the low-voltage systems that keep the aircraft flying safely.
“Our CorePower system is purpose-built for eVTOL applications, combining high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution delivering reliable, fault-protected power to flight-critical systems including avionics, flight controls, and navigation,” stated Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems.
The agreement with Astronics is part of Vertical Aerospace’s broader push toward its CDR. This review will establish the certifiable design baseline for the Valo aircraft, allowing the company to transition into certification-conforming production and testing.
“Building a certifiable aircraft requires not only breakthrough technology, but also a world-class supplier ecosystem,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Astronics brings deep expertise in aircraft electrical power systems and has already demonstrated its capabilities through our flight test programme. This agreement is another important step as we mature Valo’s design, strengthen our supply chain and advance toward certification and commercial production.”
Expanding the supplier ecosystem
Astronics joins a growing list of aerospace suppliers partnering with Vertical Aerospace. The company previously selected Hyundai WIA for the aircraft’s landing gear on May 21, 2026. Other established partners on the Valo program include Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Syensqo, and Isoclima.
The supplier announcement follows recent operational milestones for the Valo program. On June 9, 2026, Vertical Aerospace completed the first piloted flight of its final full-scale prototype. The company is targeting a cruise speed of 150 mph and a range of 100 miles for the production aircraft, which currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. The development program is supported by a comprehensive financing package of up to $850 million, which closed on April 20, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The selection of Astronics highlights a maturing phase in the eVTOL sector where manufacturers are shifting from conceptual prototypes to certifiable, production-ready designs. By partnering with established aerospace suppliers rather than attempting to design complex subsystems in-house, Vertical Aerospace reduces its certification risk. The CorePower system is already a known quantity in traditional aviation. Adapting it for the Valo aircraft provides regulatory authorities with familiar technology, which we view as a strategic advantage as the company navigates the complex certification pathways ahead.
Sources: Vertical Aerospace via Business Wire
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
UrbanV and JAC Partner to Build eVTOL Vertiports in Tokyo
UrbanV and Japan Airport Consultants announce a vertiport development partnership for Tokyo’s eVTOL program, backed by Japan Airlines and Archer Aviation.
Vertiport operator UrbanV and Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. (JAC) announced a strategic partnerships on June 12, 2026, to develop ground infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in Japan. The agreement positions the two companies as the technical leads for vertiport development within a broader Tokyo-focused consortium spearheaded by Japan Airlines (JL) and Archer Aviation.
In a press release issued by UrbanV, the companies detailed plans to align local Japanese AAM initiatives with global regulations standards established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The initial focus will center on the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, laying the physical groundwork required for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to operate in dense urban environments.
Integrating with the Tokyo eVTOL program
The infrastructure agreement directly supports Japan’s ongoing push to commercialize passenger eVTOL flights. In November 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government selected a consortium led by Japan Airlines for the first phase of its eVTOL Implementation Program. UrbanV and JAC will now serve as the strategic technical partners responsible for designing and integrating the vertiports required for this specific initiative.
Takeya Hirano, General Manager of the Planning and Development Department at JAC, highlighted the necessity of merging global insights with local expertise to navigate complex urban and aviation regulations.
“As Japan moves toward the social implementation of Advanced Air Mobility, it is essential to combine international experience with a deep understanding of Japan’s airport, aviation, regulatory and urban environments,” Hirano stated.
Hirano added that JAC will leverage its background in traditional aviation infrastructure to support the realization of a socially accepted AAM ecosystem in Japan.
Fleet scale and the Archer Midnight
The physical infrastructure developed by UrbanV and JAC will primarily support operations utilizing the Archer Midnight aircraft. In November 2024, Archer Aviation and Soracle Corporation, a joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, announced a strategic alliance to launch air taxi operations across Japan.
According to previous consortium announcements, Soracle intends to purchase up to 100 Archer Midnight aircraft to service these routes. The intended orders carries an approximate value of $500 million, representing a significant capital commitment to the Japanese AAM market.
UrbanV Chairman Ivan Bassato noted the importance of the Japanese market for the company’s international expansion strategy, which will eventually explore opportunities beyond Japan.
“Japan is globally recognized for its leadership in technology and innovation. We are honored to enter this market through a solid and long-term partnership with Japan Airport Consultants, a trusted local leader,” Bassato said.
AirPro News analysis
We view the UrbanV and JAC partnership as a necessary maturation step for the Japanese AAM sector. While aircraft orders and consortium formations generate headlines, the physical and regulatory integration of vertiports remains the primary bottleneck for eVTOL commercialization globally. By explicitly targeting alignment with EASA, FAA, and ICAO standards, this partnership indicates that the Japan Airlines consortium intends to build an infrastructure network capable of supporting multiple certification aircraft types in the future, rather than a closed ecosystem limited to a single manufacturer. Securing a dedicated infrastructure partner moves the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s eVTOL program from the conceptual planning phase into concrete urban integration.
Sources: UrbanV
Photo Credit: UrbanV
Technology & Innovation
MEL Composites Supplies Carbon Fiber for ELA Eclipse REVO
MEL Composites provides carbon fiber and core materials to ELA Aviación for the Eclipse REVO autogyro, capable of 10-meter takeoffs.
Spanish materials supplier MEL Composites is providing advanced carbon fiber and core materials to ELA Aviación for the production of the Eclipse REVO, a new fully enclosed, two-seat autogyro capable of extremely short takeoffs.
According to a project case study released by MEL Composites, the partnerships supports the manufacturing of next-generation gyroplanes at ELA Aviación’s facility in Fuente Obejuna, Córdoba. The integration of lightweight composite structures allows the Rotax 916is-powered Eclipse REVO to achieve takeoff distances as short as 10 meters.
Material specifications and manufacturing
MEL Composites, headquartered in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona, supplies a specific range of products for the aircraft’s construction. The materials include PVC foam cores, 3K and 6K carbon fabrics, stitched multiaxial carbon reinforcements, and vacuum consumables. These components are critical for reducing the overall weight of the airframe while maintaining structural integrity.
Eduardo Galofre, CEO of MEL Composites, stated that the company recently expanded its manufacturing capacity to provide more options for custom-shaped core material kits to meet growing aerospace demand.
“The aircraft manufactured by ELA demonstrate how carbon composite engineering can continue to improve aerospace performance, safety, and manufacturing efficiency, while offering exciting new mobility solutions for both the commercial and private aviation markets,” Galofre said.
ELA Aviación production milestones
ELA Aviación began experimental development of composite aircraft in the 1980s before officially transitioning to commercial manufacturing approximately 30 years ago. Since its founding, the manufacturer has delivered over 1,000 aircraft worldwide.
The Eclipse REVO represents the latest iteration of the company’s design philosophy. ELA Aviación describes the aircraft as the first fully enclosed, two-seater autogyro manufactured entirely from carbon composite. The lightweight fuselage, combined with the Rotax 916is engine, effectively eliminates the need for a traditional runway by enabling the 10-meter takeoff roll.
AirPro News analysis
We view the partnership between MEL Composites and ELA Aviación as indicative of a broader trend in the light sport and experimental aircraft sectors. As carbon composite materials become more accessible and manufacturing techniques mature, smaller original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can achieve performance metrics previously reserved for larger aerospace firms. The 10-meter takeoff capability of the Eclipse REVO positions it as a highly competitive option in the advanced air mobility space, particularly for operators requiring off-airport or short-field performance without the regulatory and mechanical complexity of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems.
Sources: MEL Composites
Photo Credit: ELA Aviación
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