Archer Aviation’s Midnight Air Taxi Set for Paris Debut

Archer Aviation and Stellantis are set to host the European debut of their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, as Archer prepares for its 2025 commercial launch.

The aircraft will be demonstrated at the 2023 Paris Air Show's air mobility event.

The companies, which first partnered in 2020, announced in January that Stellantis will be the exclusive manufacturer of Archer's aircraft.

First revealed last year, Midnight is designed for urban air transportation, capable of maneuvering through dense environments for an average trip of 20 miles. Powered by six battery packs, the aircraft has an expected payload of more than 1,000 pounds and can carry four passengers in addition to the pilot. 

Designed for rapid, back-to-back flights in a city area, the aircraft only needs 10 minutes of charging time.

“Archer’s goal is to transform inter-city travel, replacing 60-90 minute commutes by car that can take over an hour in traffic with 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost competitive with ground transportation,” according to the company website.

Midnight’s control system also includes four flight control computers, with redundant inertial navigation, Global Navigation Satellite System and Above Ground Level sensors to “ensure robust and reliable data to the pilot.”

Final assembly and initial testing of Midnight was announced in May and has reportedly already gained attention from the U.S. Department of Defense.

“From day one Archer’s strategy has always been about finding the most efficient path to commercializing eVTOL aircraft,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO. “We believe our strategy and team's ability to execute on it has allowed us to establish our leadership position in the market, and is why we are confident we will be the first company to certify an eVTOL aircraft in the U.S. with the FAA.”