Archer Aviation said on Friday it plans to participate in the White House’s newly launched eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), joining U.S. airlines and selected cities in an effort to accelerate electric air taxi operations. The initiative is the first federal program designed to support real-world testing of eVTOL aircraft in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the framework, initially outlined in June 2025 as part of the “Unleashing Drone Dominance” Executive Order, to enable supervised, pre-certification trial flights. Archer said it is exploring partnerships with airlines, including United Airlines, and interested cities to conduct demonstrations of its Midnight aircraft under the program.
The trials are expected to focus on demonstrating safe, quiet, and scalable operations, key factors in gaining community support for electric air taxis.
“This is a landmark moment for our industry and our country. We have an Administration that is prioritizing the integration of eVTOL operations in U.S. cities ahead of full certification in a pragmatic way. We’ll demonstrate that air taxis can operate safely and quietly,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer founder and CEO.
United Airlines, which invested in Archer in 2021, also expressed support for the initiative. “When United invested in Archer back in 2021, it was because we believed electric flying taxis could redefine how we move our passengers in and around the cities they are departing and arriving at every day. Today, that vision is closer than ever,” said Mike Leskinen, United Airlines executive vice president and chief financial officer. He added, “This program underscores President Trump’s and Secretary Duffy’s commitment to American innovation and to bringing advanced technology to market for our customers.”