Air Taxis Take Flight: Archer's Electric Jets Soar

Archer Aviation's four-passenger electric air taxi, the Midnight, recently concluded a "No Roads" tour with flights in Northern California, flying from Oakland International Airport to nearby smaller airports. This demonstration showcased the eVTOL's capability for swift regional travel, with one flight to San Francisco's Marina District completed in just 10 minutes, a stark contrast to over an hour by car.

During the tour, the Midnight aircraft reached speeds of 131 mph and covered over 200 flight miles across three days. The company advertises a 100-mile range and a top speed of 150 mph for the aircraft, which utilizes 12 rotors for vertical takeoff and horizontal flight. Previous flights also included conventional takeoffs and landings at an air show.

Archer is currently focusing on further testing in Los Angeles to prepare for the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. The company aims to operate air-taxi services in Los Angeles by the 2028 Olympics and has announced plans for similar networks in Miami and New York City.

However, widespread commercial service faces significant hurdles. The company applied for type certification for the Midnight in March 2022, a process that the FAA estimates can take five to nine years for a new design. Archer reports completing three of the four phases of this certification.

Concerns also exist within the aviation industry regarding the integration of air taxis into congested airport airspace. United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, has expressed reservations about the feasibility of air taxis flying into airports, despite United's investment in Archer and a conditional order for 100 aircraft. Other eVTOL manufacturers also face regulatory approval challenges and a history of optimistic forecasts.

Beyond its US operations, Archer is pursuing opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and has established partnerships with multiple airlines globally, including Southwest, Japan Air Lines, and Korean Air.