Israel Englander Bets on Flying Taxis: Archer or Joby?

Billionaire Israel Englander has invested in two flying taxi stocks, Archer Aviation (ACHR) and Joby Aviation (JOBY). Archer is focused on designing and building eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility networks, while Joby is developing a similar aircraft. Englander's portfolio includes stakes in both companies, but his recent moves have shown a heavy lean towards Archer. The UAM market is expected to grow from $3.6 billion in 2023 to $29 billion by 2030, driven by demand for smarter transportation solutions and heavy investment.

Billionaire Israel Englander has recently shown a significant interest in the urban air mobility (UAM) sector, investing in two key players: Archer Aviation (ACHR) and Joby Aviation (JOBY). Both companies are at the forefront of developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility networks. While Englander's portfolio includes stakes in both companies, his recent moves suggest a preference for Archer Aviation.

Archer Aviation: A Focus on Innovation and Growth

Archer Aviation, led by founder and CEO Adam Goldstein, has made notable progress in its eVTOL aircraft development. In July 2025, Archer successfully completed its longest piloted flight to date, covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126 mph [2]. This achievement is a significant step towards commercialization and FAA certification, as it demonstrates the maturity of Archer's program.

Archer's strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) further underscores its commitment to expanding operations in the UAE. The company plans to introduce flying taxi services in Abu Dhabi later this year or next year, with a focus on pilot training, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) setup and flight testing to gather additional data for certification and commercialization plans [2].

Joby Aviation: Leading the Regulatory Race

Joby Aviation, on the other hand, has been making strides in regulatory approvals. In August 2025, Joby successfully completed the first FAA-regulated eVTOL flight between Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY) airports, demonstrating its ability to integrate its aircraft into existing air traffic systems [1]. This flight marked a pivotal moment for the company and the eVTOL industry, as it showcased Joby's leadership in a sector poised to disrupt traditional transportation.

Joby's progress in the FAA certification process places it ahead of peers like Archer and Wisk Aero. As of Q3 2025, Joby has achieved 70% of its internal milestones in Stage 4 (Testing & Analysis) of the FAA's five-stage certification process, with 43% of FAA-side progress completed [1]. The company aims to begin FAA flight testing in 2025, with commercial operations potentially launching by 2026.

Market Potential and Risks

The UAM market is expected to grow from $3.6 billion in 2023 to $29 billion by 2030, driven by demand for smarter transportation solutions and heavy investment [1]. Both Archer and Joby are well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growth. However, challenges remain, including regulatory delays, production scalability, and financial risks.

Joby's Q2 2025 net loss of $325 million and a cash burn rate of $500–540 million highlight financial risks [1]. Analysts are divided on the company's prospects, with some downgrading the stock to "Hold" or "Neutral" while others maintain cautious optimism [1]. The stock currently trades at $16.68, above the $10.50 average analyst price target, suggesting a disconnect between market enthusiasm and near-term fundamentals [1].

Investment Implications

For investors, both Archer and Joby represent high-risk, high-reward opportunities in the UAM sector. Their technological leadership, regulatory progress, and strategic alliances make them compelling long-term plays. However, the path to profitability is uncertain, and key watchpoints include FAA certification timelines, production costs, and market adoption.

Conclusion

Billionaire Israel Englander's investment strategy in the UAM sector is focused on Archer Aviation, driven by the company's recent achievements in piloted flights and its strategic partnerships. While Joby Aviation's regulatory progress and market potential are undeniable, the company faces significant financial and operational challenges. For investors with a long-term horizon and a tolerance for volatility, both companies offer unique opportunities to invest in the future of urban mobility. However, prudence is warranted, as the road to profitability is paved with both technical and financial challenges.

References
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/joby-aviation-evtol-milestone-implications-future-urban-air-mobility-2508/
[2] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/dubai-flying-taxi-piloted-flights