Archer Aviation said on Monday that its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed its longest piloted flight to date, covering 55 miles over 31 minutes as the company advances toward commercial operations.
The flight tested the aircraft’s conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) capabilities, though the Midnight eVTOL is capable of both vertical and conventional takeoffs. Archer previously began piloted test flights in June, when the aircraft reached a top speed of 125 mph and a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level.
“I was proud to be on the tarmac with the team for this flight. Crossing the 50-mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialization that shows the maturity of our program,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.
United Airlines Chief Financial Officer Mike Leskinen, who led the airline’s early investment in Archer, attended the test flight and praised the aircraft’s quiet operation.
The eVTOL reached speeds above 126 mph during the flight, with more recent tests demonstrating aerial speeds approaching 150 mph over a variety of patterns, the company said. Archer’s four test pilots continue to conduct regular flights as the company moves toward U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates.
Archer was recently named the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, highlighting the growing interest in urban electric aviation solutions.
