Archer Aviation Advances U.S. Air Taxi Trials Under White House Executive Order and National AAM Strategy
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) today announced a major milestone in its path to commercial air taxi operations, revealing that it has partnered with multiple cities across the United States to submit applications to launch initial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations under the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). These applications mark a critical step in Archer’s mission to make urban air mobility a practical, safe, and scalable transportation solution for American cities.
White House Executive Order Catalyzes Air Taxi Development
The eIPP was established under President Trump’s “Unleashing Drone Dominance” Executive Order, designed to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft and urban air mobility technologies. The program seeks to create operational pathways for leading U.S. eVTOL manufacturers, enabling them to demonstrate their aircraft in real-world urban environments, build public trust, and refine operational protocols ahead of full-scale commercial launch.
Archer’s submissions to the eIPP focus on building the foundation for sustainable air taxi services, encompassing several key areas:
- Local Operations Teams: Establishing city-specific teams to oversee flight operations, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.
- Infrastructure Development and Upgrades: Developing vertiports, maintenance hubs, and integration with existing urban transportation systems to support safe and efficient eVTOL operations.
- Public Safety Coordination: Working closely with emergency services and first responders to ensure that eVTOL flights enhance, rather than disrupt, urban safety and emergency preparedness.
These applications involve public-private partnerships across several states, including California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York, reflecting Archer’s strategic approach to early market deployment in regions with significant demand for advanced urban mobility solutions.
Exclusive Partnership in Huntington Beach
One of Archer’s most notable applications is with the City of Huntington Beach, California, where the company is the sole air taxi original equipment manufacturer (OEM) included in the bid. This exclusivity underscores Archer’s strategic positioning as it prepares for early air taxi operations in and around Los Angeles. These initial operations are especially significant given Archer’s designation as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the 2028 Olympic Games, where eVTOL services are expected to play a critical role in facilitating transportation for athletes, officials, and spectators.
Mayor Casey McKeon of Huntington Beach commented, “We’re glad to partner with Archer to explore a safe eVTOL demonstration in Huntington Beach, bringing new opportunities to our community and keeping our city at the forefront of innovation.”
Collaboration with Federal Agencies and the National AAM Strategy
Archer’s applications come as the company deepens its engagement with the federal government. Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other industry leaders in Washington, D.C., as the Department of Transportation unveiled the nation’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy. This strategy provides a coordinated framework for integrating eVTOL aircraft into the national airspace safely, efficiently, and equitably.
The National AAM Strategy outlines a roadmap for certification, operational readiness, infrastructure development, and early deployment of electric air taxis. It serves as a guide for cities, regulators, and private companies to move from testing to operational services, while maintaining rigorous safety and community engagement standards. The strategy also includes an action plan with 40 recommendations aimed at supporting early operations, strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating high-skilled jobs, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in next-generation aviation.
“Since the Wright brothers first took flight in 1903, America has been at the forefront of aviation innovation,” said Secretary Duffy. “Today, we have a bold strategy to unlock the future of our skies and unleash this next chapter of aviation safely and efficiently. Advanced air mobility vehicles will benefit the American people—transforming how the flying public travels, how first responders jump into action and communities access healthcare, how businesses deliver goods, and how we defend our nation. I look forward to working together to make this dream a reality.”
Archer’s Role and Strategic Focus
Adam Goldstein emphasized the shift from concept to execution: “We’re past the question of ‘if’ and firmly into ‘when and how.’ Through our close work with the Administration, DOT, FAA, and other federal agencies, we now have the clearest path to market this industry has ever had. The focus now is execution—building, deploying, and flying these aircraft here in the United States.”
Archer’s strategic approach aligns closely with the National Strategy, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, safety, and community engagement. By leveraging existing aviation and transportation assets where possible, Archer aims to accelerate commercial operations while minimizing the need for ground-up construction. This approach also ensures that operations integrate seamlessly with city logistics, ground transportation, and emergency response systems.
Public-Private Partnerships Across U.S. Cities
Archer’s eIPP applications represent a series of collaborative efforts between the company and local governments in multiple states. These partnerships are designed to ensure that early eVTOL operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in a manner that provides maximum value to communities. Key objectives include:
- Demonstrating the operational feasibility of air taxis in dense urban environments.
- Collecting operational data to refine flight protocols, air traffic integration, and regulatory standards.
- Engaging local communities to build trust and awareness of the benefits of urban air mobility.
By submitting applications across states like California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York, Archer is positioning itself as a leading eVTOL provider with a broad footprint in early target markets. These strategic locations reflect both population density and transportation demand, ensuring that initial operations provide meaningful benefits to residents and commuters.
Regulatory Engagement and Industry Leadership
Archer has a long history of collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities. The company has participated actively in the Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group, contributed to the development of the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) covering air taxis, and engaged in the creation of the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. These efforts have allowed Archer to shape policy, align its operational protocols with regulatory expectations, and ensure a smooth path to certification and commercial deployment.
The FAA is expected to review applications submitted during the initial phase of the eIPP and announce selections in early to mid-2026, with early operational activity anticipated later that year. Archer’s proactive engagement with the DOT, FAA, and city governments positions it to be among the first eVTOL manufacturers to initiate public operations.
Preparing for a New Era in Urban Transportation
Archer’s air taxi program represents a paradigm shift in urban transportation. Electric air taxis have the potential to transform how people commute, reduce congestion on city streets, and provide rapid access to essential services such as healthcare, emergency response, and logistics. By integrating these vehicles into existing city infrastructure and transportation networks, Archer is creating a model for safe, scalable, and economically viable urban air mobility.
The company’s focus on public-private partnerships, infrastructure readiness, regulatory compliance, and community engagement ensures that its air taxi services are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible. These efforts will help accelerate adoption and establish public trust in autonomous and piloted eVTOL aircraft.
With the eIPP framework, the National AAM Strategy, and early city partnerships in place, Archer is poised to transition from demonstration flights to operational services in the coming years. The company’s exclusive agreements, such as the Huntington Beach application, and broader collaborations across multiple states, underscore its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable urban air mobility solutions.
As 2026 approaches, Archer is preparing to execute on its vision, deploying aircraft, training personnel, and coordinating with city governments and federal agencies. By combining cutting-edge technology with regulatory foresight and community engagement, Archer is setting the stage for the first wave of commercial air taxi services in the United States.