Archer is an official sponsor of the air show and plans to have close to 1,000 of its team members on-site, representing engineering, operations and flight test divisions. Their presence will coincide with the aircraft’s public demonstration flights, offering visitors the chance to see one of the industry’s most closely watched eVTOL designs in action.

 

The California International Air Show is expected to attract more than 65,000 spectators. This year also marks the long-awaited return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Salinas, alongside displays from the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team and others. Archer’s Midnight will be among the first aircraft to fly each day, setting the stage for the aerial performances to follow.

 

The demonstrations come as Archer records significant milestones in its flight test campaign. Midnight recently achieved two of its highest altitude flights to date, reaching 7,000 and 10,000 feet, respectively. Prior to these achievements, the aircraft completed its longest piloted mission: a 55-mile journey flown in 31 minutes.

 

Designed as a piloted, four-passenger aircraft, Midnight is intended to support rapid, back-to-back operations with minimal charging time between flights. The aircraft aims to transform urban mobility by replacing 60–90 minute car commutes with sustainable 10–20 minute air taxi journeys. Its low-noise profile and competitive cost structure position it as a viable alternative to traditional ground transport.

 

Archer’s participation at Salinas underlines both the company’s progress in developing Midnight and its ambition to introduce practical, sustainable electric aviation to the public. Tickets to the show, including access to Midnight’s flights, are available via www.salinasairshow.com.