-+ 0.00%

Where Will Archer Aviation Be by This Time Next Year?

The Motley Fool·09/13/2026 20:21:00

Listen to the news

Key Points

Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL aircraft is currently undergoing FAA Type Certification.
Over the next year, Archer will work through this certification process and aims to start early commercial operations in the UAE.
It will also be preparing to serve as the official air taxi carrier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
10 stocks we like better than Archer Aviation ›

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as flying taxis, could revolutionize transportation as we know it. These quiet, drone-like vehicles take off vertically and can navigate complex urban airspace.

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) is one standout developer in this exciting space. This innovative company is taking the necessary steps to make flying taxis a reality. And those flying taxis could be coming to a city near you. Here's what investors can look forward to from Archer over the next year.

Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »

Image source: Archer Aviation.

Archer Aviation is working toward FAA certification

Archer Aviation develops the Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The aircraft is currently undergoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification. As part of this, it must complete final compliance testing to obtain design approval, a crucial step toward proving the aircraft's airworthiness. It began this final phase in April 2026, and estimates suggest it could take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Archer is also part of the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which aims to accelerate eVTOL development by establishing procedures and processes for handling this type of transport. On Sept. 4, the company kicked off its "No Roads" flight tour across Northern California. Other flights are planned for Texas, Florida, and New York as part of the eIPP.

Beyond the U.S., Archer plans to launch early commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates and aims to have operational trial flights by this time next year. Archer will also be gearing up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where it will serve as the official air taxi carrier.

The next year is crucial for Archer Aviation

Archer is running limited test flights and hopes to expand them within the next year. It has plans to launch in the UAE and secure all necessary FAA certifications before beginning commercial operations. The company also needs to scale manufacturing and prove it can operate in real-world conditions.

Over the next year, Archer Aviation will remain a risky, speculative stock until it proves its operational readiness.

Courtney Carlsen has positions in Archer Aviation. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.