Archer makes key appointments for new D.C. office

Archer Aviation is boosting its government relations efforts with a selection of appointments and the opening of a Washington D.C. office. 

Current Archer executive and Former FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, will lead Archer’s government affairs efforts as chief regulatory affairs officer. Melissa McCaffrey has joined to lead its efforts at state and local levels, previously she was director of policy & government affairs at Overair. Lynda Tran, former Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Department of Transportation, has also joined in an advisory capacity.

At 500 L’Enfant Plaza, Archer’s new Washington D.C. office is in close proximity to FAA and DOT headquarters. 

Billy Nolen, Archer chief regulatory affairs officer said: “This strategic move is part of our proactive approach to progressing through the regulatory process here in the US as efficiently as possible so that we can help ensure our country continues to define the future of global aviation. Showcasing our leading eVTOL aircraft technologies to leaders in the nation’s capital will help bring to life our vision to transform cities by reducing traffic with safe, quiet electric air taxis.”

At Overair, McCaffrey headed their government relations and policy strategy, advocating at all levels of government for key positions on policies and regulations in support of AAM. Before Overair, Melissa spent over 10 years at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. McCaffrey also holds a B.S. in Air Traffic Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has been a licensed pilot for over 20 years.

Archer said it is also continuing its use of government relations specialists, Invariant and JTR Strategies to lobby on key federal issues relating to commercialising AAM.