Archer Aviation has hit another milestone on the path to certification with the FAA issuing its first Special Airworthiness Certificate for the Midnight eVTOL aircraft, allowing it to begin flight test operations.

The company is now on track to begin ‘for credit’ testing of piloted Midnight aircraft in early 2024 and open its high volume eVTOL production facility in Covington, Georgia in mid-2024 alongside Stellantis.

“With each passing quarter and each milestone hit on schedule, we continue to prove our steadfast strategy and execute on our goal of achieving the most efficient path to market – optimising our aircraft for certification, manufacturing, and commercial operation,” said Tom Muniz, Archer’ chief operating officer. “Our strategy is paying off and we thank the FAA for their team’s ongoing collaboration with Archer to provide the right framework to certify our eVTOL aircraft and safely integrate them into the national airspace.”

According to Archer, its Midnight aircraft is set to be be the first ever eVTOL aircraft delivered to a customer, following its recently announced $142m contact with the US Air Force. It is set to delver up to six aircraft to the Air Force by the end of 2023 or early 2024 – read more on that story here.

Exclusive interview

Watch our exclusive interview with Adam Goldstein, Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO, here.

Image: Archer Aviation

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