Archer gets FAA green light to begin commercial airline operations

Archer’s subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA, allowing it to begin operating aircraft commercially.

Operations will enable Archer to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching its eVTOL aircraft Midnight into service for airlines when it receives Type Certification which is expected in late 2025.

“We are honoured to receive the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA, which is another important stepping stone on the way to commencing commercial air taxi operations with our Midnight aircraft,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.

Archer is now one of two air taxi manufacturers alongside Joby to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certificate from the FAA. 

In addition to its Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA allowing it to perform specialised aircraft repair services. This means Archer has now received the two key operational certificates required from the FAA for it to be in a position to begin its air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification. The FAA also recently issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft. 

Tom Anderson, Archer Air’s chief operating officer said: “We would like to thank the FAA for their ongoing collaboration with Archer and congratulate the Archer Air team on achieving this important milestone for the company. Over my career, I’ve helped lead the buildout of JetBlue and Breeze Airways and now that Archer has its Part 135 and 145 Certificates from the FAA, I’m thrilled for our incredible team to commence operations on this innovative new air taxi service soon.”

The completion of the Part 135 certification process involved five stages. It includes the submission of extensive documentation of operational manuals and procedures. Archer’s pilots also need to demonstrate proficiency with those manuals and procedures under observation from the FAA.

Once Type Certification has been attained Archer’s Midnight aircraft will be launched into service for airlines such as United Airlines. Mike Leskinen, United’s chief financial officer said: “The pace of progress and innovation that Archer has achieved over the last few years is nothing short of impressive and today marks another key milestone in their journey to bring safe, sustainable, and low noise air taxi services to market. United Airlines extends our congratulations to Archer’s team on receiving their Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate.”