Archer Aviation's Midnight Progress: Is FAA Certification Still the Final Hurdle?

Archer Aviation entered 2025 with significant expectations. The company is central to the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) narrative. For years, the focus was on vision and potential. In 2025, Archer delivered tangible execution.

This progress moved the company from engineering theory to operational reality. However, Archer remains firmly in the pre-commercial phase. The year clarified both the promise and the inherent risks of this new sector.

Advancing the Midnight eVTOL Program

Archer crossed a critical operational threshold in 2025. The company advanced flight testing of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft. Early-stage production also began at the Covington, Georgia facility. This manufacturing ramp-up is crucial for future scale.

Regulatory Milestones

Regulatory progress with the FAA is the ultimate determinant of U.S. commercial service. Archer has secured important operational approvals. The company obtained the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate. This allows Archer to operate aircraft commercially once the Midnight is certified. The FAA also issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight. This provides a solidified path toward FAA Type Certification progress. As of mid-2025, Archer had secured three of the four critical FAA operational certifications.

Full Type Certification remains the most demanding and time-consuming step. Without it, commercial air taxi operations in the U.S. cannot begin. This slow, demanding process will continue to be the main variable.

Financial Strength and Global Focus

One of Archer’s most notable 2025 achievements was financial. The company significantly strengthened its balance sheet. Archer ended the third quarter with more than $2 billion in cash and cash equivalents. This substantial liquidity is a major strength in the capital-intensive eVTOL industry. This financial runway reduces near-term existential risk for the company. Management stated that existing cash resources are expected to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.

Despite this, Archer is a pre-revenue company. It continues to report net losses, such as $206.0 million in the second quarter of 2025. The company will likely need more funding before reaching profitability.

International Momentum

United Arab Emirates launch planning is building faster than in the U.S. Archer expanded its “Launch Edition” program in the Middle East. This includes partnerships with Abu Dhabi Aviation and Falcon Aviation. These efforts could provide earlier validation of the aircraft and business model. Archer aims to deliver its first piloted Midnight aircraft to the UAE in 2025 or 2026. International operations offer global optionality and flexibility. This reduces reliance on a single regulatory outcome.

The Road Ahead: Execution and Competition

Despite the progress, core risks remain unchanged. Archer must still scale manufacturing from low-volume builds to mass production. It must also launch safe and reliable operations. History shows aerospace programs rarely progress without delays.

Competition is also intensifying in the urban air mobility market. Rivals like Joby Aviation are also making significant certification strides. If Archer falls behind, early market share could shift quickly. For instance, United Airlines is a key customer for Archer’s planned U.S. network. Securing the U.S. market remains the long-term goal. Overseas success is a supplement, not a substitute, for domestic approval.

• Key Challenges Ahead: Full FAA Type Certification, scaling manufacturing, and managing high operating costs.
• Key Strengths: Over $2 billion in cash, Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, and strong international partnerships.

Archer’s 2025 performance was its most credible year yet. The company proved it can execute against development timelines. However, the next 12–24 months will determine its future. It must turn ambition into a functioning aviation business. For the latest commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.