Archer Launches ‘No Roads’ Flight Tour Ahead of LA28 and U.S. eVTOL Pilot Program
Archer Aviation has launched a nationwide flight-testing initiative aimed at demonstrating its Midnight electric air taxi on city-to-city routes as the company prepares for its participation in the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and its role at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The “No Roads” tour will initially focus on Northern California, with flights planned between locations including Monterey, Hollister, San Martin, San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco. Archer said the programme is being coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The company plans to expand the testing to the Los Angeles area, as well as Texas and Florida. Archer said the flights are intended to demonstrate how electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could reduce journey times on routes that can take an hour or more by road to around 10–20 minutes by air.
The tour follows more than 70 test flights completed by Archer in August and a recent piloted round trip between Salinas Municipal Airport and Monterey Regional Airport using Midnight.
Archer is using the programme to build operational experience ahead of its participation in the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), while also preparing for its planned air taxi operations during LA28.
The company also expects to announce charging locations in multiple states through its ACES infrastructure initiative, a consortium involving Archer, BETA Technologies and Macquarie Capital. The programme is intended to support the development of charging infrastructure and other requirements for electric aviation operations.
Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger all-electric aircraft designed for short-distance urban and regional journeys. Archer says the aircraft is designed for low-noise operation and zero operating emissions.
The “No Roads” flights remain part of Archer’s testing and operational preparation rather than a commercial passenger service. Further testing, regulatory approvals and infrastructure development will be required before widespread commercial air taxi operations can begin.
