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

Verified

Edited By:

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 altitude record of 7,000 feet and completed a 55-mile piloted flight during recent tests, expanding its operational envelope.
The company is ramping up manufacturing and aims to launch commercial air taxi services in the UAE next year, followed by the U.S., including as the official provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A critical technical milestone, the piloted transition from hover to forward flight, has not yet been achieved by Archer, unlike a key competitor.
Archer is actively working with the FAA towards certification through TIA testing and participating in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to inform future operational regulations.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.