Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL has achieved its longest piloted flight, covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds over 126 mph. The flight took place at the company’s test facility in Salinas, California, witnessed by United Airlines’ chief financial officer Mike Leskinen, who supported United’s early investment in Archer.

Earlier test flights reached nearly 150 mph over varying patterns, part of Archer’s envelope expansion programme that supports progress towards FAA certification in the U.S. and planned near-term commercialisation in the UAE. The flight was conducted as a conventional takeoff and landing mission, with four of the company’s test pilots now regularly flying Midnight.

Archer’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein says: “I was proud to be on the tarmac with the team for this flight. Crossing the 50-mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialisation that shows the maturity of our programme.”

United Airlines’ executive vice president and CFO Mike Leskinen adds: “I’ve been a longtime supporter of bringing sustainable forms of aviation to market. Congratulations to the Archer team on achieving this milestone flight. I was impressed by how quiet the aircraft was.”

The experimental test pilot responsible for the flight says: “Throughout the thirty-minute flight, the aircraft performed consistently, with predictable handling. It was a beautiful day to be behind the controls.”

Midnight test pilots will continue to expand speed, duration and mission profiles aligned with early commercial operations. This achievement follows progress in Archer’s manufacturing ramp in the U.S. and its Launch Edition programme in the UAE.