Archer Aviation intends to participate in the White House’s newly established eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) alongside U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, and interested cities.
The eIPP is the first federal initiative specifically designed to accelerate real-world electric air taxi operations in the U.S.
The eIPP represents the next step in transitioning from development to deployment, building momentum toward full-scale commercialization in the years ahead. The program will provide critical operational data and community engagement needed to scale this new mode of transportation.
Initially outlined in June 2025 as part of the “Unleashing Drone Dominance” Executive Order, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have unveiled a framework for cities across the U.S. to participate in the eIPP with OEMs and operators like Archer. This framework unlocks a path to supervised, pre-certification trial operations of eVTOL aircraft in the U.S. as early as next year.
Adam Goldstein, Archer Founder and CEO, stated, ”This is a landmark moment for our industry and our country. The Administration 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. These early flights will help cement American leadership in advanced aviation and set the stage for scaled commercial operations in the U.S. and beyond.”
Archer is actively exploring pathways to collaborate with U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, and participating cities to design and execute trial operations of its Midnight aircraft under the eIPP. The trials are expected to focus on demonstrating that eVTOL operations are safe, quiet, and scalable, key factors in building community trust and support for adoption of this new technology.
United Airlines Executive Vice President and CFO, Mike Leskinen, added, ”When United invested in Archer in 2021, we believed electric flying taxis could redefine urban mobility for our passengers. Today, that vision is closer than ever. This program underscores President Trump’s and Secretary Duffy’s commitment to American innovation and to bringing advanced technology to market for our customers.”
