Archer Aviation has announced record progress in the FAA certification process for its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the company targeting the launch of initial US operations later in 2026.

The update formed part of Archer’s first quarter 2026 financial and operational results released on 11 May, where the company confirmed that its planned operations are aligned with the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and preparations linked to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

According to the company, Archer has become the first eVTOL manufacturer to complete Phase 3 of the FAA’s four-phase Type Certification process for this category of aircraft. The company also reported an expansion of its piloted flight test programme and operational activity at Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles as it advances commercial readiness.

Archer said it is continuing development work beyond the urban air mobility sector, including progress on dual-use, hybrid, and autonomous aircraft programmes, with phased programme awards anticipated later this year.

The company also highlighted the rapid advancement of its AI software stack through partnerships with NVIDIA, Palantir Technologies and Starlink, noting alignment with broader US Department of Transportation air traffic control modernisation efforts reportedly valued at approximately US$20 billion.

Archer ended the first quarter of 2026 with liquidity of approximately US$1.8 billion, with expenditure reportedly remaining in line with company guidance.

Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said the company’s progress reflects ambitions extending beyond the air taxi market.

“We made tremendous progress towards beginning operations in the US later this year, with record FAA certification progress and our most expansive flight testing to date,” Goldstein said. “Our defense and AI software efforts are advancing quickly, and they’re opening up an even bigger future for us.”

The Midnight aircraft forms part of the rapidly developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, where manufacturers are seeking regulatory approval for electrically powered aircraft intended for short-range urban and regional transport operations.