Archer Eyes White House eVTOL Pilot Program with Air Taxi Trials

09/12/2025 – 09:45 AM

• In June, President Trump signed an Executive Order to accelerate next-generation aviation technologies—this Order included the establishment of the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)

• Under the eIPP, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are establishing pre-certification operating environments for electric vertical take off and landing aircraft to accelerate the roll-out of air taxis in the U.S.

• Today, the DOT and FAA announced the next step in this process: a framework for American cities to participate in the eIPP

• Archer is now exploring pathways to work together with U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, and interested cities under the new program to design and execute trial operations of Archer’s Midnight aircraft as part of the eIPP

• Archer will propose trial operations that focus on demonstrating that their eVTOL operations are safe, quiet and scalable—key factors in building community support for the adoption of this new technology

WASHINGTON – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced its intention to participate in the White House’s newly launched eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), collaborating with U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, and various cities. This marks the first federal initiative specifically aimed at expediting the integration of electric air taxi operations within the United States.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft at San Francisco International Airport

The initiative, initially outlined in June 2025 under the “Unleashing Drone Dominance” Executive Order, saw the DOT and FAA unveiling a framework for U.S. cities to engage in the eIPP alongside OEMs and operators like Archer. This unlocks a possible route for supervised, pre-certification trial operations of eVTOL aircraft in the U.S., potentially as early as next year.

Archer is currently exploring avenues for collaboration with major U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, and receptive cities, to design and execute trial operations of its Midnight aircraft within the eIPP framework. These trials will prioritize demonstrations of safety, noise reduction, and scalability – critical elements for fostering community acceptance and promoting the broad adoption of this innovative technology.

“This initiative represents a significant leap forward for our industry and the nation,” stated Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer. “The Administration’s proactive approach to integrating eVTOL operations in U.S. cities well in advance of full certification is commendable. These early flights will solidify American leadership in advanced aviation and pave the way for large-scale commercial deployments, both domestically and internationally.”

The eIPP program signals a strategic shift from development to practical deployment, fueling momentum toward widespread commercialization in the coming years. The real-world operational data and community engagement garnered through the program will be pivotal in scaling this emerging mode of transportation. Industry analysts, however, point to the challenges of regulatory hurdles and infrastructure development that still need to be addressed for eVTOLs to become a mainstream reality. The financial viability of urban air mobility also remains a key question, with high initial costs potentially limiting accessibility.

“When United invested in Archer back in 2021, it was because we believed electric flying taxis could redefine how we move around our passengers in and around the cities they are departing and arriving at every day. Today, that vision is closer than ever,” said United Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mike Leskinen. He continued, “This program underscores President Trump’s and Secretary Duffy’s commitment to American innovation and to bringing advanced technology to market for our customers.”

The key to the eIPP’s success will lie in harmonizing technological advancements with robust safety protocols, public acceptance, and a sustainable business model. This requires close cooperation between government agencies, private companies, and local communities.

While Archer aims to lead the pack in eVTOL development, it’s important to note that the company is navigating a crowded landscape. Major players like Joby Aviation and Lilium are also making headway, supported by considerable investments and technology partnerships. Competition is heating up, and the race to market dominance will likely be determined by which company can successfully navigate regulatory pathways, secure compelling contracts, and prove the long-term viability of their technology.