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 record by climbing to 7,000 feet during piloted test flights, also completing a 55-mile flight at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
The company plans to launch commercial air taxi services in the UAE as early as next year, followed by a U.S. launch (projected 2027), including a partnership for the 2028 LA Olympic Games.
While expanding its flight envelope and advancing manufacturing, Archer is still working to achieve a piloted transition from hover to forward flight and is awaiting finalized FAA flight test rules for full certification.

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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.