Archer’s Midnight 55‑Mile Piloted Flight is its longest ever

United in Support for eVTOLS

In a stride that brings urban air mobility closer to reality, Archer Aviation has achieved its longest-ever piloted flight for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft—covering roughly 55 miles in just 31 minutes, reaching speeds over 126 mph. The test, held at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, California, showcased not just impressive range and velocity, but also growing confidence from key partners: United Airlines CFO Mike Leskinen, who spearheaded the carrier’s early investment, was on hand to witness the milestone.

 “I’ve been a longtime supporter of bringing sustainable forms of aviation to market. Congratulations to the Archer team on achieving this milestone flight—I was impressed by how quiet the aircraft was.” – Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President and CFO of United – Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President and CFO of United

United had announced in February 2021 that it would acquire up to 200 Midnight eVTOLs valued at $1.5B to be flown in partnership with Mesa Airlines. This was in addition to a separate investment of $25 million from United Airlines into Archer Aviation.

At the time, the CEOs of both companies stated:

“Part of how United will combat global warming is by embracing emerging technologies that decarbonize air travel . By working with Archer, United is showing the aviation industry that now is the time to embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation. With the right technology, we can curb the impact aircraft have on the planet, but we have to identify the next generation of companies who will make this a reality early and find ways to help them get off the ground.”….”Archer’s eVTOL design, manufacturing model and engineering expertise has the clear potential to change how people commute within major metropolitan cities all over the world.” – United CEO Scott Kirby

“The team at United share our vision of a more sustainable future. We’re working closely with their test pilots and environmental teams to make sustainable urban air mobility a reality far sooner than people could ever imagine.” – Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO

In 2022, United Airlines made a $10M pre-delivery payment to Archer Aviation for the first 100 Midnight eVTOLs.

Archer Aviation also secured $215M in funding during an equity investment round in August 2023 from a group of investors, which included the likes of United Airlines, Stellantis, Boeing, and ARK Invest.

Keeping Up the Pace

 “Throughout the thirty-minute flight, the aircraft performed consistently, with predictable handling. It was a beautiful day to be behind the controls.”  – Archer Aviation’s unnamed Experimental Test Pilot

This achievement marks more than a mere flight record—it’s a validation of the Archer Midnight’s capability to execute sustained, high‑speed, piloted journeys. Covering 55 miles is a pivotal moment, aligning with the 10–20 minute commute targets Archer envisions for future air taxi services. At 126 mph, this flight pushes Midnight closer to operational speeds—promising efficient urban-to-suburban hops

“I was proud to be on the tarmac with the team for this flight. Crossing the 50-mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialization that shows the maturity of our program.” – Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO

Building on Momentum: A Recap of Archer’s Journey

To put this in context, here’s a look at how this latest milestone builds on earlier advancements:

• Phase 1 completion: Midnight wrapped up its introductory flight test phase in just three months, speeding ahead of its predecessor, Maker
• Battery ruggedness: Midnight’s battery packs aced 50-foot drop tests—even over the entire charge spectrum—emerging unscathed and fully functional
• FAA certifications: Archer secured both Part 145 (maintenance) and Part 135 (air taxi operations) certificates, and had its final airworthiness criteria issued—laying a firm regulatory foundation
• Transition flight milestone: On June 8, 2024, Midnight transitioned from vertical hover to wing-borne flight at speeds exceeding 100 mph—marking one of the heaviest aircraft to do so
• Manufacturing scale-up: Archer is nearing completion of its 400,000 sq ft facility in Covington, Georgia, capable of producing up to 650 aircraft annually in partnership with Stellantis

What to expect:

Archer should be able to complete its Launch Edition project in the UAE, as well as make it in time for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Exactly how it will be done, and how many Midnight eVTOLs will be in the sky by 2028 is still up in the air, but Archer Aviation looks to be on the right ascent!

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More Info:

Official Press release: click here

United to Work with Archer Aviation to Accelerate Production of Advanced, Short-Haul Electric Aircraft: click here

United Airlines teams up with Archer for eVTOL air taxi in Chicago: click here

Archer Accelerates Path to Market: Secures $215M Investment From Stellantis, Boeing, United Airlines, ARK Invest: click here

Archer Closing Oversubscribed PIPE as Part of $215M Investment Round Led by Stellantis; ARK & United Are Two Key Investors in the PIPE: click here