Archer Receives FAA Market Survey Certificate for Midnight eVTOL

Archer Aviation said the FAA issued a Market Survey Special Airworthiness Certificate for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, allowing market survey operations. Archer said it plans to begin piloted operations in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

Key details

• Archer said the planned flights will prepare for passenger-carrying activity under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• The certificate authorizes market survey operations; it does not grant full commercial certification.
• Archer said it has begun testing a turboshaft engine for its Halo and Thunder programs, which it is developing with Anduril. The company scheduled full-scale flight testing for those programs to begin in 2027.
• Archer reported that its proposed acquisition of Boeing businesses Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid was nearing completion, subject to outstanding requirements. Archer said Insitu could contribute more than $200 million in annual revenue.
• Archer said Boeing would become its largest shareholder and a strategic partner if the proposed transaction closes.
• Archer announced a multi-year relationship with Formula 1 to explore eVTOL transport for spectators and VIPs traveling to and from Grand Prix venues.

Why it matters

The planned Los Angeles operations connect Midnight’s market survey authorization with preparations for a federal eVTOL integration program and the 2028 Games. Archer’s other updates cover engine testing for its hybrid-electric programs and a proposed combination of aircraft, uncrewed systems, and airspace-management capabilities.