Archer Aviation, FAA, and DOT Form Global Alliance to Streamline eVTOL Certification

Key Takeaways

• On June 17, 2025, five countries formed an alliance to harmonize eVTOL aircraft certification processes.
• FAA leads initial certification allowing faster approvals in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• Archer Aviation raised $850 million in June 2025 to fund certification and infrastructure for eVTOLs.

On June 17, 2025, Archer Aviation, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a major step forward for the future of air travel. At the Paris Air Show, these organizations revealed the creation of a five-country alliance focused on making it easier and faster to certify electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The alliance brings together the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, and New Zealand 🇳🇿. The goal is to help companies like Archer Aviation get their eVTOL aircraft approved for use in all five countries once they are certified in the United States 🇺🇸.

This move is seen as a turning point for advanced air mobility, which includes new types of aircraft that can take off and land vertically, like helicopters, but are powered by electricity. These aircraft could change how people move around cities and between regions, offering faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly options than traditional planes or cars.

What Is the Five-Country eVTOL Alliance?

The new alliance is designed to harmonize (make the same) and speed up the process of certifying eVTOL aircraft. Certification means that an aircraft has passed all the safety and performance tests required by government agencies, and is allowed to carry passengers or cargo. In the past, each country had its own rules and tests, so companies had to go through the process multiple times. This took a lot of time and money.

With the alliance, once an eVTOL aircraft like Archer Aviation’s Midnight gets certified in the United States 🇺🇸 by the FAA, the process to get approval in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, and New Zealand 🇳🇿 should be much faster and simpler. The alliance will use mutual recognition and harmonized standards, meaning the countries agree to trust each other’s safety checks and use similar rules.

Why Now?

The announcement comes at a time when the eVTOL industry is growing quickly. Companies are racing to bring new aircraft to market, but the rules for these new types of planes are still being developed. The FAA and other agencies have been working on new standards for eVTOLs, which are different from traditional airplanes and helicopters.

President Trump recently signed an Executive Order that calls for the United States 🇺🇸 to lead in advanced aviation and to work with other countries on common rules. This alliance is a direct response to that order, showing the U.S. government’s commitment to staying ahead in this new field.

How Does the Certification Process Work?

Getting an eVTOL aircraft approved for commercial use is a long and detailed process. Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Type Certification in the United States 🇺🇸
   • The manufacturer, like Archer Aviation, must go through the FAA’s type certification process. This involves several phases, including design reviews, safety tests, and flight trials. The FAA is moving toward performance-based standards, which means the aircraft must meet certain results, but the company can choose how to achieve them.
   • The FAA is expected to release a full advisory circular (a guide for the industry) on vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft by mid-2027. Until then, companies are working with the FAA to meet current requirements.
2. Validation in Alliance Countries
   • Once the FAA gives type certification, the alliance countries will use the same or similar standards to approve the aircraft for use in their own airspace. This should be much faster than starting from scratch in each country.
3. Operational Certification
   • To actually fly passengers or cargo, operators need a Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate. This certificate allows companies to run commercial flights. Archer Aviation recently received this certificate for conventional aircraft, putting it in a strong position to start eVTOL operations when ready.
   • Companies also need a Part 145 certificate for aircraft repair and maintenance services.
4. Pilot Training and Licensing
   • The FAA has created new rules for training pilots to fly eVTOLs, which are classified as powered-lift aircraft. This means pilots will need special type ratings and licenses. The rules for private or sport pilots are still being developed, but commercial and instrument-rated powered-lift licenses are now possible.

For more details on the FAA’s eVTOL certification process, you can visit the FAA’s official eVTOL information page.

Why Is This Important for the eVTOL Industry?

The alliance is a big deal for several reasons:

• Faster Market Access: Companies like Archer Aviation can bring their aircraft to more countries without repeating the entire certification process.
• Lower Costs: By sharing standards and trusting each other’s safety checks, manufacturers save money on testing and paperwork.
• Global Standards: The alliance sets a model for other countries to join in the future, making it easier for eVTOLs to become a normal part of air travel worldwide.
• Support for Innovation: With clear rules and a faster path to market, companies can focus on building better, safer, and more efficient aircraft.

Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, summed up the excitement at the Paris Air Show:

“If you ever wanted to see a bat signal go up into the air and say Advanced Air Mobility is here, eVTOLs will be built, they will be certified and brought around the world, that’s today.”

Key Players and Their Roles

• Archer Aviation: Leading the charge with its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, Archer has raised $850 million in June 2025, bringing its total funds to about $2 billion. This money will help pay for certification, building new aircraft, and setting up infrastructure like charging stations and landing pads.
• FAA: The main agency in charge of aircraft certification in the United States 🇺🇸. The FAA is working closely with other countries to set common rules.
• DOT: The U.S. Department of Transportation oversees all transportation policy and is backing the alliance as part of President Trump’s push for U.S. leadership in advanced aviation.
• Other Alliance Members: The United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, and New Zealand 🇳🇿 will use their own agencies to validate and approve eVTOLs, but will rely on the work done by the FAA.

Here’s a quick look at the alliance members and their roles:

Recent Policy Changes and Industry Progress

The FAA has made several important changes to support the growth of eVTOLs:

• Performance-Based Standards: Instead of telling companies exactly how to build their aircraft, the FAA sets goals for safety and performance. Companies can use new technology to meet these goals.
• Powered-Lift Rules: The FAA has finalized rules for powered-lift aircraft, which include eVTOLs. These rules cover everything from how pilots are trained to how simulators are certified.
• Executive Order: President Trump’s recent order calls for the United States 🇺🇸 to lead in advanced aviation and work with other countries to set common rules.

Industry groups like the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have helped shape these rules, making sure they work for both large and small companies.

What Does This Mean for Different Groups?

For Manufacturers

• Less Red Tape: Companies like Archer Aviation won’t have to repeat the same tests in every country.
• Lower Costs: Fewer tests and less paperwork mean companies can spend more on building and improving aircraft.
• Faster Time to Market: Getting certified in one country opens the door to others much more quickly.

For Operators

• Quicker Launch: Air taxi services and other advanced air mobility options can start sooner in more places.
• Clearer Rules: Operators know what they need to do to get certified and start flying.

For Regulators

• International Cooperation: The alliance sets a model for working together on new technology.
• Shared Safety Data: Countries can share information about aircraft performance and safety, making it easier to spot problems early.

For Passengers and the Public

• Safer, Quieter Flights: eVTOLs are designed to be safer and quieter than helicopters.
• New Travel Options: People in cities and remote areas could have new ways to get around, avoiding traffic and reducing travel times.
• Environmental Benefits: Electric aircraft produce less pollution than traditional planes or cars.

Challenges and Timeline

While the alliance is a big step forward, there are still challenges ahead:

• Certification Timeline: The first FAA type certification for an eVTOL is not expected before 2027. This is because the FAA and manufacturers need more time to collect data and finish testing.
• Pilot Training: New rules for pilot training are still being developed, especially for private and sport pilots.
• Infrastructure: Cities and airports will need to build new landing pads, charging stations, and support systems for eVTOLs.
• Public Acceptance: People will need to get used to the idea of flying taxis and new types of aircraft in their neighborhoods.

Industry experts like David Ison from the Air Mobility Research Group point out that even with regulatory progress, the complexity of testing and standards means commercial eVTOL operations are unlikely before 2027 in the United States 🇺🇸.

Archer Aviation’s Next Steps

Archer Aviation is moving quickly to prepare for commercial operations. The company has:

• Raised $850 million in new funding in June 2025, bringing its total liquidity to about $2 billion.
• Sold 85 million shares of its Class A common stock at $10.00 per share.
• Secured both Part 135 and Part 145 certificates from the FAA, allowing it to operate commercial flights and offer repair services.
• Showcased its Midnight eVTOL aircraft at the Paris Air Show, hosting delegations from over 20 countries.

Archer plans to ramp up operations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where it will serve as the official air taxi provider.

What’s Next for the Alliance?

The alliance may expand to include more countries as the global eVTOL market grows. The coordinated approach is expected to speed up the safe and efficient use of advanced air mobility in transportation networks around the world.

The FAA is working on a comprehensive advisory circular for VTOL aircraft, expected by mid-2027. This document will give companies and regulators clear guidance on how to certify and operate eVTOLs.

Where to Find More Information

• Archer Aviation: www.archer.com
• FAA eVTOL Information: FAA eVTOL page
• U.S. Department of Transportation: www.transportation.gov

For the latest updates on eVTOL certification and advanced air mobility, you can check these official resources. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the alliance’s creation marks a major milestone in the global rollout of eVTOL technology, with the potential to change how people and goods move in the coming years.

Takeaways and Next Steps

• For Manufacturers: Focus on meeting FAA standards, as U.S. certification will open doors in other alliance countries.
• For Operators: Prepare for new pilot training requirements and start planning for commercial eVTOL services.
• For Regulators: Continue working together to set clear, shared rules for safety and performance.
• For the Public: Watch for new air taxi services and advanced air mobility options in the next few years.

The five-country alliance led by Archer Aviation, the FAA, and the DOT is set to make the dream of electric air taxis a reality. While there are still hurdles to clear, the path is now clearer and more coordinated than ever before.

Learn Today

eVTOL → Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft powered by electricity, offering new urban air mobility options.
Type Certification → Government approval confirming an aircraft meets all safety and performance requirements for commercial use.
Mutual Recognition → Agreement between countries to trust and accept each other’s aircraft certification results.
Part 135 Certificate → Authorization required for commercial airlines to operate passenger or cargo flights legally.
Powered-Lift Aircraft → Aircraft type that can take off and land vertically, requiring special pilot training and licensing.

This Article in a Nutshell

A five-country alliance speeds eVTOL certification, led by the FAA and Archer Aviation. This breakthrough enables faster approvals across multiple nations, cutting costs and accelerating advanced air mobility, promising safer, quieter, and eco-friendly urban air travel by 2027 and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com