Archer Aviation Shares Plans to Commercialize Electric Air Taxis in the US

Science fiction seemingly came to life at the National Business Aviation Association’s 2025 Exhibition and Convention, with Archer Aviation taking the stage to show that flying taxis aren’t just a concept: they’re airborne. The company’s Midnight eVTOL began flight testing in October 2023 and is expected to enter service abroad in the coming years.

Archer is a home-grown next-gen aerospace company focused on “bringing advanced air mobility products to market in both commercial and defense sectors,” according to Eric Lentell, Archer’s Chief Legal and Strategy Officer.

Its poster child, Midnight, is an electric air taxi that aims to change the game in urban transportation. Midnight was designed from the ground up for safety, sustainability, and low noise outputs, aiming to carry up to 4 passengers plus a pilot for short city hops of around 20-50 miles a piece, taking short charging breaks in between. Its 6 unique battery packs each drive a pair of engines, propelling it to speeds of up to 150 mph.

Midnight first made a name for itself in a $1.5B deal with United that covers hundreds of aircraft and a commercial US debut flying from Downtown Manhattan to Newark Liberty International Airport. 

“We’re seeing a ton of lean-in from cities around the country,” Lentell added. “So, for us, it's going to be about ramping manufacturing to enable us to get to all of those cities.”

As the air taxi trudges towards FAA certification, it has shifted efforts to the international front. Rapid steps forward in the UAE have set Midnight up to enter commercial service abroad in early 2026 under Abu Dhabi Aviation.

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