Archer Aviation: Beyond eVTOL Pilot Program to Long-Term Gains

Archer Aviation stands at the forefront of the eVTOL revolution, positioning itself as the go-to name for urban air mobility. Its flagship Midnight aircraft, a piloted four-passenger eVTOL capable of 100-mile ranges at speeds up to 150 mph, has logged hundreds of test flights, including a record 55-mile piloted journey in August 2025. This technical achievement demonstrates the viability of the technology that could transform urban transportation.

With FAA type certification approximately 75% complete as of mid-2025, Archer is significantly ahead of many competitors in the regulatory approval process. The company’s vertically integrated approach—from design to manufacturing—reduces costs and accelerates scalability, providing a competitive edge as the eVTOL market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040. This early-mover advantage positions Archer to capture substantial market share in the coming aviation boom.

Archer’s robust partnership network serves as a critical de-risking mechanism for its path to commercialization. United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL), a major investor since 2021, has committed to purchasing up to 200 Midnight aircraft, providing not just capital but also operational expertise for urban routes. This airline partnership validates Archer’s technology and creates a ready market for initial aircraft deliveries.

Automaker Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) is providing manufacturing scale through a dedicated Georgia facility set to produce two aircraft per month by year-end 2025. Internationally, deals with Abu Dhabi Aviation pave the way for air taxi services in the UAE, while agreements in Indonesia expand Archer’s global footprint. The company’s role as official air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics further demonstrates industry confidence in its technology.

Archer’s financial position provides a significant advantage in the capital-intensive aviation industry. Following an $850 million capital raise in June—triggered by the White House’s eVTOL push—the company boasts approximately $2 billion in liquidity. This war chest is sufficient to fund operations through commercialization without dilution risks, supporting R&D, pilot training, and production ramp-up.

Analysts project explosive revenue growth from a negligible $1.4 million in 2025 to $84 million in 2026, before rocketing to $416 million in 2027 driven by initial aircraft deliveries. With minimal debt and a services-led model that includes maintenance and ride-sharing revenue streams, Archer is positioned for high-margin profitability following its commercial launch. This financial runway provides substantial upside potential as eVTOL adoption accelerates globally.

The most compelling near-term catalyst for Archer investors is the company’s imminent commercial rollout. Archer targets air taxi services in the UAE by late 2025, marking the first revenue-generating Midnight deployments outside military prototypes. This international debut will serve as a crucial proof-of-concept, informing U.S. operations slated for 2026 pending full FAA approval.

With six Midnight aircraft already on the assembly line and test pilots conducting regular flights, Archer has achieved operational readiness. These commercial launches could prompt a fundamental re-evaluation of the stock, shifting market perception from speculative to growth-oriented. As global demand for efficient urban transport increases due to urbanization and climate goals, Archer’s first-mover position provides a significant advantage in capturing this emerging market.