History of Archer Aviation in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2025

Archer Aviation is a publicly traded company based in San Jose, California, focused on designing, developing, and manufacturing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. The company aims to provide a sustainable and efficient transportation alternative for congested urban environments. Archer is one of the leading companies in the eVTOL space and is working towards commercializing its aircraft for passenger transport and cargo delivery.

October 16, 2018: Archer Aviation Founded

On October 16, 2018, Archer was founded by Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock with the goal of developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Initially, the company was privately funded by Goldstein and Adcock, with later support from Walmart executive Marc Lore.

June 10, 2021: Maker Aircraft Unveiling

On June 10, 2021, Archer unveiled its full-size demonstrator aircraft, Maker, at an event in Los Angeles, California. Maker is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft featuring 12 electric propellers and powered by six independent battery packs.

September 20, 2021: Archer Becomes an IPO

On September 20, 2021, Archer became an IPO (ACHR).

November 2021: Maker Moved to Flight Test Facility

In November 2021, Archer moved its Maker aircraft from its headquarters to its flight test facility to begin initial test flights.

December 2021: FAA Airworthiness Certificate and First Flight

In December 2021, Maker received its airworthiness certificate from the FAA, allowing it to begin flight test operations. Archer also completed its first flight in December 2021.

August 2022: United Airlines Deposit for Electric Flying Taxis

In August 2022, United Airlines made a $10 million deposit to Archer for 100 electric flying taxis.

November 10, 2022: Archer and United Airlines Announce Air Taxi Route

On November 10, 2022, Archer and United Airlines announced plans to establish the first electric air taxi route in the US, connecting Newark Liberty International Airport and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.

November 2022: Midnight Production Aircraft Unveiled

In November 2022, Archer unveiled its Midnight production aircraft, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to carry four passengers and a pilot. Midnight is designed to be optimized for back-to-back 20-mile trips, with a payload of over 1,000 pounds.

November 17, 2022: Midnight Aircraft Unveiled

On November 17, 2022, Archer unveiled its production aircraft, Midnight, at an event in Palo Alto, California. Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time.

November 29, 2022: Maker Achieves Full Transition Flight

On November 29, 2022, Archer announced that its Maker prototype successfully achieved full transition from vertical to horizontal flight. This accomplishment was deemed a significant validation step for the flight control systems and aircraft architecture applicable to the Midnight production aircraft.

2022: Adcock Departs Leadership and Board

In 2022, Adcock departed from both the leadership team and the board of Archer. Goldstein became the sole CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company in 2022.

January 2023: Partnership with Stellantis Announced

In January 2023, Archer announced a partnership with Stellantis, a multinational automobile manufacturer. Stellantis would provide up to $150 million in equity capital to support Archer's growth and collaborate on the development and production of Archer's eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility. The partnership solidifies Stellantis as Archer's exclusive contract manufacturer for mass production of its eVTOL aircraft.

March 2023: Air Taxi Route Announced

In March 2023, Archer and United Airlines revealed plans for an electric air taxi route connecting O'Hare International Airport and Vertiport Chicago, situated on the city's near west side.

June 5, 2024: Archer Receives FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate

On June 5, 2024, Archer secured its Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

June 12, 2024: Midnight Completes First Transition Flight

On June 12, 2024, Archer's Midnight aircraft successfully completed its first transition flight. Archer conducted over 400 test flights throughout 2024.

July 2024: Agreement with Southwest Airlines

In July 2024, Archer and Southwest Airlines established an agreement to develop operational concepts for air taxi networks.

2024: FAA Certification Expected for Midnight

Archer anticipates that Midnight will be certified by the FAA in late 2024.

2025: Service Entry Planned

Archer plans for the "Midnight" aircraft to enter service by 2025. The aircraft is designed to carry passengers on short trips of around 20 miles between airports and downtown city centers.

2025: Aerial Ridesharing Service Planned Launch

In 2025, Archer plans to launch its aerial ridesharing service, also known as Urban Air Mobility (UAM), in Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California. Archer is collaborating with Urban Movement Labs, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and the City of Miami to develop the necessary infrastructure and service routes for this launch in 2025.

2025: Part 141 Certification Received

In Feb, 2025 Archer Aviation has received its Part 141 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling the company to establish its pilot training academy.