Archer Aviation Inc’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) craft flew at 7,000 feet during a recent test in California. This announcement comes as the company seeks FAA certification to deploy its air taxis in the US.
Archer’s expansion programme is testing the limits of eVTOLs, as research suggests higher-altitude capabilities will be needed. While most air taxis are designed to fly between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, they may need to operate at higher altitudes in densely populated areas and high-elevation cities.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said:
I’m proud of the team for consistently proving Midnight’s performance capabilities while maintaining the highest safety standards. Our test pilots will continue to safely and methodically test Midnight’s speed, duration, and mission profiles to prepare for early commercial operations.
While FAA approval pends, Archer secured fast-track approval for operating its air taxis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May 2025. Typically, private aircraft in the UAE need to be certified by the FAA, EASA, or Transport Canada. However, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed a strategic partnership with Archer to bypass these regulations and accelerate the commercial future of eVTOLs in the Arabian Gulf.
Aviation Week Network forecasts that 1,000 eVTOL vehicle deliveries will take place in 2030, more conservative figures than stated elsewhere. Overcoming certification and infrastructure hurdles will be key to the dream of advanced air mobility (AAM) becoming a reality. Archer’s current run of tests hope to demonstrate the technical capabilities of its aircraft and acclerate the critical regulatory approvals process.
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