In a significant stride for electric aviation, Archer Aviation has achieved its longest piloted flight to date with their Midnight eVTOL, covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126 mph. The test, held at Archer’s facility in Salinas, California, underscores the aircraft’s advancing maturity as it moves closer to FAA certification and future commercial deployment, including operations in the UAE.
A Milestone Flight in Context
Pilots flew the Midnight using conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) methods. This deliberate choice highlights the aircraft’s flexibility, enabling operations from both runways and potential vertiports, and positioning Archer for a practical and scalable rollout of passenger services.
Words from the Cockpit & the Boardroom
CEO Adam Goldstein expressed pride in the team’s progress, stating:
“Crossing the 50‑mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialisation that shows the maturity of our program.”
United Airlines CFO Mike Leskinen, present for the flight and an early investor in Archer, added:
“I’ve been a longtime supporter of bringing sustainable forms of aviation to market. Congratulations to the Archer team on achieving this milestone flight—I was impressed by how quiet the aircraft was.”
Even the test pilot, speaking candidly, remarked:
“Throughout the thirty‑minute flight, the aircraft performed consistently, with predictable handling. It was a beautiful day to be behind the controls.”
Building Toward Commercial Readiness
This recent achievement is part of Archer’s broader envelope expansion program, designed to stretch the aircraft’s performance across speed, duration, and real-world mission profiles. Earlier test flights had recorded speeds nearing 150 mph, further illustrating the aircraft’s growing capabilities.
Archer continues to ramp up manufacturing in the U.S. and initiate its Launch Edition program in the UAE—important steps toward delivering operational fleet deployments.
Why It Matters
The 55-mile CTOL flight reinforces Archer’s multipronged strategy: proving operational flexibility, refining performance, and building confidence with investors and regulators alike. As the eVTOL landscape matures, Archer’s Midnight continues to cement its credentials as a frontrunner in next-generation urban air mobility.