Archer Aviation begins piloted Midnight eVTOL demonstration tour

Archer Aviation has launched its ‘No Roads’ demonstration tour, featuring piloted flights of its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The tour began with a round-trip flight between Hollister and Salinas, California, covering more than 40 miles. The aircraft completed each leg of the journey in approximately 12 minutes, traveling at speeds of 125 mph and maintaining a cruising altitude of 3,550 feet. This flight time significantly reduces the 30 to 40 minutes typically required for the same route by automobile.

Conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these flights aim to build operational expertise ahead of commercial air-taxi services. The tour is scheduled to continue with stops in Monterey, San Martin, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco. Archer is also preparing for the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and intends to expand operations to Los Angeles, Texas, Florida, and New York, with a goal of providing service during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Midnight aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers. To support future operations, Archer is working on the ACES electric aviation infrastructure initiative alongside BETA Technologies and Macquarie Capital to introduce charging locations across multiple states.