Archer has announced that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have selected its partners in Texas, Florida, and New York to participate in the White House’s electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
The program is designed to help advance the introduction of electric air taxis in the United States.
The initiative establishes a first-of-its-kind pathway intended to support the introduction of the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years. By enabling early operations in select markets, the program allows industry, regulators, and local stakeholders to work together to develop an operational framework for safe and scalable deployment.
Archer will work with partners including the Texas Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to prepare for flights of its Midnight aircraft under the eIPP. Preparations include establishing local operating teams, infrastructure, and procedures to support safe and measured deployment.
Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, commented, “This is the clearest sign yet from the White House, the FAA and the DOT that bringing air taxis to market in the United States is a real priority. We appreciate Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford’s leadership and are excited to bring Midnight to the skies of some of America’s largest cities.”
Archer expects the program to generate operational experience that will help inform future deployments in the United States and support broader public acceptance of electric air taxi services. The company is also preparing for planned air taxi operations in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Similar to robotaxi pilot programs in the United States, the initiative allows Archer to work with federal regulators, states, and communities to help build trust while establishing an operational model for scaling electric air taxis.
Midnight is Archer’s piloted electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers while producing less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter. The aircraft incorporates redundant systems, including 12 engines and propellers, allowing Archer to target safety levels comparable to commercial airliners.
Archer aims to enable passengers to replace 60–90 minute ground journeys with quiet, all-electric flights using Midnight, reducing travel times and helping address increasing urban congestion.
