Detailed narrative
Midnight Flight Test Progress
Archer successfully completed Midnight's CTOL campaign, including flights over 50 miles, over 30 minutes of flight time, and speeds exceeding 150 mph. The company has now initiated piloted VTOL flight tests and plans to expand the piloted Midnight fleet and flight envelope throughout 2026, aiming to begin TIA activities with the FAA as soon as this year.
The software update cycle for flight tests has been significantly reduced from multi-month to a few days by automating manual steps, improving efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
Certification Milestones
The FAA has confirmed final acceptance of 100% of Midnight's Means of Compliance, a significant milestone for Archer and the eVTOL industry. This achievement clears the path for finalizing remaining certification plans in the coming quarters⏳, enabling TIA work to commence this year.
The company attributes this success to its best-practice approach to topics like lightning strike, gust loads, and occupant protection, enabled by a larger, heavier aircraft design.
Commercialization Strategy & eIPP
Archer is on track to deploy Midnight this year in American cities as part of the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and in the UAE for commercial launch. The eIPP aims to normalize air taxi operations, with the goal to have 0.5 million people in major cities see these aircraft as part of their everyday commute.
Archer has partnered with roughly a dozen municipalities, including Southern California, Texas, and Florida, and anticipates the DOT to announce finalists later this month, with public flights potentially starting in the second half of the year. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a key commercialization milestone, driving regulatory and industry progress.
UAE Market Entry
Despite current geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, Archer is progressing its commercialization strategy in the UAE. It is the first eVTOL manufacturer to establish a Restricted Type Certificate program with the GCAA, which will facilitate the delivery of additional Midnight aircraft for piloted and passenger-carrying operations and the development of certified vertiports in Abu Dhabi this year.
This approach offers broader operational flexibility compared to other alternatives.
Defense and Software Opportunities
Archer's defense strategy centers on a partnership with Anduril to design an autonomous, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for dual use as a loyal wingman and for cargo/medevac. The company is optimistic about securing a major defense contract this year and has opened a new hub in Bristol, U.K., hiring over 20 engineers to accelerate progress.
Beyond aircraft, Archer sees a third opportunity in software, partnering with Palantir for air traffic control, NVIDIA for autonomy, and SpaceX for connectivity, with plans to unveil its first software product later this year.
Capital Allocation and Liquidity
Archer ended Q4 FY25 with approximately $2 billion in total liquidity, its highest watermark. The company's capital allocation priorities are focused on commercializing Midnight (certification, manufacturing, market launch), investing in the hybrid aircraft program, and developing its AI autonomy software platform. While spending is elevated in 2025, Archer anticipates potential offsets from defense contract wins, early software revenues, and air taxi launch programs.