Archer’s Midnight Air Taxi Reaches New Heights

Company’s electric air taxi prototype hits an altitude of 7,000 feet during a recent test flight.

Jack Daleo

Monday, September 22, 2025 at 03:00 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

Archer test pilots flew the Midnight air taxi to about 7,000 feet, marking the aircraft’s highest altitude to date. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL prototype achieved a new milestone, reaching a record 7,000 feet altitude during recent piloted test flights, demonstrating expanded operational capabilities.
The company is progressing with manufacturing type-conforming aircraft and aims for early commercial air taxi services, starting in the UAE next year, with partnerships for the 2028 LA Olympics and major airlines.
Despite significant flight test progress, Archer still needs to complete a piloted hover-to-forward flight transition and is actively engaging with the FAA to finalize testing rules and obtain necessary certifications for commercial launch.

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Archer Aviation’s prototype electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi has reached record heights during its piloted flight test campaign.

Archer on Monday announced that its Midnight aircraft climbed to 7,000 feet during a recent test flight, marking a new milestone as the company works to expand the envelope. Midnight began crewed testing in June and last month achieved a 55-mile flight—its longest yet.