Key Takeaways
• Archer Aviation’s Midnight completed its first piloted flight in June 2025, reaching 125 mph and 1,500 feet altitude.
• Archer secured FAA Part 135, 141, and 145 certificates; Type Certification expected by end of 2025.
• Commercial launches planned in Dubai late 2025, New York post-certification, and Japan in early 2026.
Archer Aviation’s Piloted Test Flight: Midnight Ushers in a New Era for Urban Air Mobility
Archer Aviation has reached a major turning point in the race to bring electric air taxis to city skies. In early June 2025, the company’s flagship aircraft, Midnight, completed its first piloted test flight. This event, led by Chief Test Pilot Jeff Greenwood, took place at Archer’s flight test facility and marks the first time a human has flown the Midnight, rather than relying on remote or autonomous controls. Greenwood piloted the aircraft at speeds up to 125 mph and climbed to altitudes over 1,500 feet, showing that Midnight is ready for the next stage of development and regulatory approval.
This piloted test flight is not just a technical achievement—it’s a key step toward getting approval from aviation authorities and launching commercial air taxi services. Archer Aviation, with its strong financial backing and global partnerships, is now closer than ever to making short, quiet, and sustainable flights over busy cities a reality.
Let’s break down what this milestone means, how Archer is moving through the certification process, and what the future holds for urban air mobility.
Midnight’s First Piloted Test Flight: What Happened and Why It Matters
Who: Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft
What: Completed the first piloted test flight of its Midnight aircraft
When: Early June 2025
Where: Archer’s flight test facility
Why: To move from remote/autonomous testing to human-piloted operations, a necessary step for regulatory approval and commercial readiness
How: Chief Test Pilot Jeff Greenwood flew Midnight, reaching speeds up to 125 mph and altitudes over 1,500 feet
Before this flight, Archer Aviation had already completed over 400 test flights using remote controls or autonomous systems. The move to a piloted test flight is a critical milestone. It shows that the aircraft’s controls, safety systems, and handling are ready for real-world use by trained pilots. Greenwood reported that flying Midnight felt just like the simulator, which means Archer’s training and design are working as planned.
Midnight: The Aircraft at the Center of Archer’s Vision
The Midnight is Archer Aviation’s main eVTOL aircraft, designed for short city flights. Here are some key facts about Midnight:
- Capacity: 1 pilot and 4 passengers
- Speed: Up to 125 mph (tested)
- Range: 20–50 miles per trip; up to 60 miles maximum
- Altitude: Over 1,500 feet (tested)
- Noise: About 45 decibels during flight (quieter than most household appliances)
- Recharge Time: About 10 minutes between flights
Midnight’s design allows it to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, but it can also use short runways for conventional takeoff and landing. This dual capability gives it more flexibility and safety, letting it operate from more locations and handle unexpected situations better.
Certification: The Road to Commercial Flights
Getting approval to carry passengers is a long and careful process. In the United States 🇺🇸, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires several certificates before a company can offer commercial air taxi services. Archer Aviation has already secured three out of four key certificates:
- Part 135 (Air Carrier & Operator Certificate): Allows Archer to operate as an air taxi service (granted June 2024)
- Part 145 (Repair Station Certificate): Allows Archer to maintain and repair its aircraft (granted February 2024)
- Part 141 (Pilot Training Academy Certificate): Allows Archer to train pilots for its aircraft (granted February 2025)
The final step is the Type Certification for the Midnight aircraft itself. This certificate proves that the aircraft meets all safety and performance standards for commercial use. Archer expects to receive this by the end of 2025. You can learn more about the FAA’s certification process on the official FAA website.
In the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is working quickly to approve Midnight for commercial use. The UAE is adopting many of the FAA’s standards, but its process is moving faster, which could make Dubai the first city in the world to have operational eVTOL air taxis.
Pilot Training: Building a Workforce for the Future
A new kind of aircraft needs a new kind of pilot. Archer Aviation has set up an FAA-approved training academy (Part 141) to make sure there are enough qualified pilots to fly Midnight. The company is also working with Etihad Aviation Training in the UAE to train pilots for its Dubai launch.
This focus on training is important for two reasons:
- Safety: Pilots need to understand how to operate eVTOL aircraft, which are different from traditional airplanes and helicopters.
- Scaling Up: As Archer prepares to launch commercial services in multiple cities, it needs a steady supply of trained pilots.
Tom Anderson, Archer’s Chief Operating Officer for Urban Air Mobility, praised the FAA’s support and said that the Part 141 certification is a big step forward for the industry.
Global Expansion: Where Midnight Will Fly First
Archer Aviation is preparing for commercial launches in several major cities:
- Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪: Targeted for late 2025, with pilot training and regulatory approvals already underway. The UAE’s GCAA is fast-tracking the process, and Archer is working closely with Etihad Aviation Training.
- New York, United States 🇺🇸: Expected soon after the Dubai launch, once the FAA grants Type Certification.
- Japan 🇯🇵: Archer has partnered with Soracle Corporation to bring up to 100 Midnight aircraft to Japan, with commercial flights expected in early 2026.
Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, said that the company’s fast progress in the UAE is thanks to strong support from both U.S. and UAE authorities. He also confirmed that Archer will be the exclusive air transport partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which could bring eVTOL air taxis into the mainstream.
Investment and Industry Partnerships
Archer Aviation has raised more than $1 billion in funding from major companies, including United Airlines, Stellantis, Boeing, and Ark Investment Management. United Airlines has even committed to buying up to 200 Midnight aircraft, with a $10 million deposit for the first 100 units.
These partnerships give Archer the financial strength and industry connections it needs to scale up production, train pilots, and launch commercial services around the world.
How Archer’s Progress Impacts Urban Mobility
The goal of Archer Aviation and its Midnight aircraft is to change how people move around busy cities. Today, a 60–90 minute car commute in a city like New York or Dubai could be replaced by a 10–20 minute air taxi flight. Midnight’s electric motors make it much quieter and cleaner than helicopters or cars, and its short recharge time means it can fly many trips each day.
Key benefits for city dwellers include:
- Faster travel: Skip traffic jams and get across town in minutes
- Lower noise: Midnight is quieter than most household appliances
- Cleaner air: All-electric power means no tailpipe emissions
- Cost-competitive: Archer aims to keep prices similar to ground-based ride services
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could make air taxis a regular part of city life within a few years, especially in places where governments are eager to support new transportation options.
Certification: The Main Challenge Ahead
While Archer has made fast progress, the biggest challenge is still ahead: getting full Type Certification from the FAA. This is the final approval needed to carry paying passengers in the United States 🇺🇸. The process is strict and detailed, with hundreds of safety checks and performance tests.
Industry experts say that Archer’s rapid progress through the FAA’s certification process is unusual and shows strong support from regulators. Still, until the Type Certification is granted, commercial flights in the U.S. can’t begin.
In the UAE, the process is moving faster. The GCAA is adopting many FAA standards but is willing to approve Midnight for commercial use as soon as it meets local requirements. This means Dubai could be the first city in the world with operational eVTOL air taxis.
The Steps to Commercial Launch: How Archer Is Getting Ready
Here’s how Archer is moving from test flights to commercial service:
- Aircraft Development and Testing
- Over 400 autonomous and remote-controlled test flights
- Transition to piloted test flights to validate safety and handling
- Certification Pathway
- Secured FAA Part 145 (Repair Station), Part 135 (Air Carrier), and Part 141 (Pilot Training)
- Working toward FAA Type Certification for Midnight
- Parallel certification with UAE GCAA for international operations
- Pilot Training
- Launch of FAA-approved training academy
- Partnership with Etihad Aviation Training for UAE pilots
- Commercial Launch Preparation
- Scaling up fleet and pilot numbers based on demand
- Building partnerships with airlines and local authorities
Stakeholder Perspectives: What This Means for Different Groups
Regulators:
Safety is the top priority. Both the FAA and UAE GCAA are making sure that Midnight meets strict standards before allowing commercial flights. The dual takeoff/landing capability is seen as a big safety advantage.
Investors:
Archer is viewed as a leader in the new urban air mobility market. Its strong financial backing and partnerships with major companies like United Airlines and Boeing make it a high-potential investment.
Potential Customers:
People living in big cities are excited about the chance to cut their commute times and reduce their impact on the environment. Early adopters are expected in places like Dubai, New York, and Tokyo.
Competitors:
Archer’s progress has pushed other companies to speed up their own development. The end of legal disputes with Wisk and new collaborations with Boeing on autonomous technology show that the industry is moving toward more cooperation.
Background: How Archer Aviation Got Here
Archer Aviation was founded to create all-electric eVTOL aircraft for city travel. The company started with a two-seat demonstrator called “Maker” and then moved to the five-seat Midnight, which is now the focus of its commercial plans.
Key milestones include:
- FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate: August 2023
- Part 145 (Repair Station): February 2024
- Part 135 (Air Carrier): June 2024
- Part 141 (Pilot Training): February 2025
Archer’s partnership with United Airlines, which includes a commitment to buy up to 200 Midnight aircraft, has helped the company move quickly toward commercial service.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Archer Aviation and Midnight
FAA Type Certification:
Expected by the end of 2025, this will allow Archer to launch full-scale commercial operations in the United States 🇺🇸.
UAE Commercial Launch:
Targeted for late 2025, with pilot training and regulatory approvals already underway.
Expansion to Japan 🇯🇵:
Archer’s partnership with Soracle Corporation could bring up to 100 Midnight aircraft to Japan, with commercial flights expected in early 2026.
Olympics 2028:
Archer will be the exclusive air transport partner for the Los Angeles Olympics, a sign that eVTOL air taxis are moving into the mainstream.
Manufacturing Expansion:
Archer plans to set up local manufacturing in the UAE and scale up production as demand grows.
Practical Guidance for Interested Readers
If you’re interested in following Archer Aviation’s progress or learning more about the future of urban air mobility, here are some steps you can take:
- Visit Archer’s official website for the latest news and updates: www.archer.com
- Check the FAA’s certification page for information on how new aircraft are approved: FAA Certification
- Watch for local announcements in cities like Dubai, New York, and Tokyo about upcoming air taxi services
- Consider pilot training if you’re interested in a new career flying eVTOL aircraft
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Urban Transportation
Archer Aviation’s successful piloted test flight of the Midnight marks a major step toward making air taxis a regular part of city life. With strong progress on certification, a focus on pilot training, and support from major industry partners, Archer is well positioned to lead the way in urban air mobility. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the next few years could see the launch of commercial eVTOL services in cities around the world, offering faster, cleaner, and quieter ways to travel.
For more information on aviation certification and the latest updates, visit the official FAA website.
Learn Today
eVTOL → Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed for short urban flights with vertical lift capabilities.
FAA Type Certification → Official approval verifying an aircraft meets safety and performance standards for commercial use.
Part 135 Certificate → FAA authorization allowing commercial air taxi operations with certified aircraft and crew.
Pilot Training Academy Certificate → FAA certification enabling a company to conduct official pilot training programs.
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) → UAE aviation regulator overseeing aircraft certification and operation approvals.
This Article in a Nutshell
Archer Aviation’s Midnight achieved its first human-piloted flight, advancing urban air taxis. With key FAA certifications nearly complete, commercial launches in Dubai and New York approach, promising fast, clean, and quiet city travel. Archer’s innovative eVTOL marks a transformative step in urban mobility, backed by strong industry partnerships and pilot training.
— By VisaVerge.com
