SALINAS, Calif., Sept. 23, 2025 — Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) announced on Monday that its flagship Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft successfully reached 7,000 feet in a recent test flight, setting a new altitude record for the company and advancing its path toward commercialization.
The September 22 flight, conducted at Archer’s Salinas, California facility, was part of the company’s envelope expansion testing program — a series of evaluations designed to push the limits of Midnight’s performance capabilities. During the test, a company pilot executed a steady climb to 7,000 feet, then leveled the aircraft to complete a 45-mile journey at speeds surpassing 120 mph.
A Versatile Aircraft for Urban Mobility
While Midnight is primarily engineered to operate at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,000 feet to serve city-based routes, the test highlighted its ability to navigate higher airspace when needed. According to Archer, this flexibility could prove critical for navigating dense traffic corridors, accommodating elevated geographies, and ensuring adaptability in future commercial environments.
“The successful climb underscores Midnight’s ability to operate across a wider range of conditions than its standard mission profile requires,” the company said in a statement. “That versatility further strengthens the aircraft’s appeal for global urban air mobility applications.”
Building on Momentum
The milestone follows another major achievement just one month earlier. In August 2025, Midnight completed a 55-mile flight in only 31 minutes, reaching speeds above 126 mph. Taken together, the two test flights demonstrate what Archer executives say is the aircraft’s growing consistency in performance and safety.
“These back-to-back successes highlight the aircraft’s robust performance and reliability,” the company noted.
Founded by entrepreneur Adam Goldstein, Archer Aviation has become one of the most prominent names in the eVTOL sector. The company is positioning Midnight as a zero-emission alternative to short-haul car travel, promising quieter, faster, and more sustainable transportation within congested urban regions. The aircraft is designed to carry both passengers and light cargo, aligning with global sustainability targets aimed at reducing carbon emissions from ground transportation.
CEO Praises Team’s Progress
Goldstein, who serves as Archer’s chief executive officer, commended the team behind the successful flight.
“I’m proud of our team for consistently proving Midnight’s performance while upholding the highest safety standards,” Goldstein said. “Our test pilots will continue to rigorously evaluate Midnight’s speed, range, and mission capabilities as we prepare for commercial operations.”
The company is pursuing certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a necessary step before bringing Midnight into service in the United States. Archer has also announced plans to launch operations in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring its ambitions for international expansion.
Toward Certification and Commercialization
Industry analysts say certification is one of the biggest hurdles for companies in the emerging eVTOL market, with regulators closely scrutinizing the safety, performance, and reliability of aircraft that could one day shuttle commuters above congested city streets. For Archer, each successful milestone adds weight to its case before regulators and potential commercial partners.
The company maintains that Midnight’s design — powered entirely by electric propulsion — not only provides a sustainable transportation option but also reduces operating costs over time compared to traditional helicopters or small jets. That cost efficiency, combined with safety and noise-reduction features, could prove decisive as airlines, rideshare firms, and municipalities explore urban air mobility.
Looking Ahead
Archer has positioned itself as a leader in the race to bring eVTOL aircraft into mainstream service. With its ongoing test program, the company continues to refine Midnight’s performance envelope while pursuing the rigorous regulatory approvals needed to carry passengers commercially.
“With its innovative technology and commitment to safety, Archer Aviation is paving the way for a future where electric air taxis transform urban mobility,” the company stated. “As Archer continues to test and refine Midnight’s capabilities, the company remains focused on delivering a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly aircraft to revolutionize how people move in cities worldwide.”
For now, the latest altitude test underscores Archer’s progress in a fast-growing industry — one where success hinges not just on technical breakthroughs, but on proving reliability and safety to regulators and the public alike.
