Archer Receives FAA Certification for Commercial Air Taxi Operations

With the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Archer is now allowed to begin operating aircraft commercially with airline partners once its Midnight eVTOL achieves Type Certification By Joe Macey / 06 Jun 2024
Archer Receives FAA Certification for Commercial Air Taxi Operations
Follow AAMi

Archer Aviation’s subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

This certificate allows Archer to begin operating aircraft commercially to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight into service for airlines like United Airlines when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification.

Receiving the Part 135 certificate signals that Archer Air has developed, and demonstrated to the FAA its adherence to, the necessary policies and procedures to begin operating aircraft commercially in accordance with the stringent safety and operational standards set forth by the FAA. 

The achievement is said to be another key step that demonstrates Archer’s work with the FAA continues to gain momentum as Archer is now one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certificate from the FAA.

In addition to its Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA allowing it to perform specialized aircraft repair services. This means Archer has now received the two key operational certificates required from the FAA for it to be in a position to begin its air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification. The FAA also recently issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft.

The completion of the Part 135 certification process involved five rigorous stages, which entailed the submission of extensive documentation of operational manuals and procedures, as well as Archer’s pilots needing to demonstrate proficiency with those manuals and procedures under FAA observation.

Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer, said; “We are honored to receive the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA, which is another important stepping stone on the way to commencing commercial air taxi operations with our Midnight aircraft.

“This milestone reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to safety and operational excellence as we stand up one of the world’s first electric air taxi services for communities across the U.S. with a safe, sustainable and low noise transportation solution.”

Mike Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer, said; “The pace of progress and innovation that Archer has achieved over the last few years is nothing short of impressive and today marks another key milestone in their journey to bring safe, sustainable, and low noise air taxi services to market. United Airlines extends our congratulations to Archer’s team on receiving their Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air transportation and delivering unparalleled flying experiences to United passengers.”

Tom Anderson, Archer Air’s Chief Operating Officer, added; “We would like to thank the FAA for their ongoing collaboration with Archer and congratulate the Archer Air team on achieving this important milestone for the company.

“Over my career, I’ve helped lead the buildout of JetBlue and Breeze Airways and now that Archer has its Part 135 and 145 Certificates from the FAA, I’m thrilled for our incredible team to commence operations on this innovative new air taxi service soon.” 

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Skyfly Completes First Airfield-to-Airfield eVTOL Flight in Europe

Skyfly Technologies has completed what is reportedly Europe’s first airfield-to-airfield eVTOL flight using its Axe prototype, flying from Turweston to Bicester and back in a round trip

Jul 04, 2025
Eve Air Mobility Partnership to Advance eVTOL Deployment in Costa Rica

Eve Air Mobility and Aerosolutions are partnering to bring eVTOL aircraft and infrastructure to Costa Rica, advancing sustainable air travel and regional connectivity

Jul 03, 2025
Joby Advances Air Taxi Launch with Piloted Flights in Dubai

Joby Aviation has begun commercial readiness efforts in Dubai, completing piloted eVTOL flights and advancing plans to launch air taxi services by 2026

Jul 02, 2025
Wisk Collaborates on Air Taxi Infrastructure & Research in Florida

Wisk Aero has partnered with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and the University of Miami to advance autonomous air taxi operations and supporting infrastructure in the region

Jul 01, 2025
SkyDrive Partners to Design & Manufacture Pilot Control Stick System

SkyDrive collaborates with Stirling Dynamics to develop pilot control stick for SKYDRIVE SD-05 production eVTOL aircraft

Jun 30, 2025
Foil-Mode Testing Conducted on Seaglider Prototype

REGENT Craft's 12-passenger Seaglider underwent foil-mode testing, elevating the vessel from the water before it flies

Jun 27, 2025