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Archer Aviation nears eVTOL certification with FAA milestone

EditorBrando Bricchi
Published 2024-05-23, 02:22 p/m
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SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:ACHR), a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has reached a pivotal regulatory milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), advancing closer to its goal of bringing electric flying taxis to market. The FAA has issued the final airworthiness criteria for Archer's Midnight aircraft, a necessary step toward achieving Type Certification for the eVTOL model.

This recent development is a significant stride in Archer's certification efforts, as the company is one of only two globally to reach this stage with the FAA for an eVTOL aircraft. The final airworthiness criteria enable Archer to collaborate with the FAA on finalizing approvals for its certification and testing plans. The company is gearing up for piloted flight testing later this year, which is a crucial part of the 'for credit' testing process with the FAA.

Archer's Midnight aircraft is now significantly closer to transporting passengers within the U.S., as the company continues to conduct extensive testing on its systems and components to ensure safety for upcoming piloted flight tests. The construction of the first three piloted conforming Midnight aircraft is also underway, with the initial aircraft set to begin flight testing later this year. These tests will contribute to the 'for credit' flight testing with the FAA, propelling Archer toward commercialization.

Archer aims to transform urban travel by offering an alternative to traditional car commutes, proposing estimated 10-20 minute electric flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and competitively priced with ground transportation. The Midnight model is designed to be piloted, accommodating four passengers and capable of rapid, consecutive flights with minimal charging time required between trips.

Billy Nolen, Archer's Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer and former FAA Administrator, expressed gratitude to the FAA team for their support in advancing aviation electrification. Eric Wright, Archer's Head of Certification, emphasized the momentum this milestone adds to Midnight's certification program.

The company's mission is to unlock the skies, envisioning a future where urban air mobility is a common aspect of daily transportation. Archer's team, based in Santa Clara, CA, is working diligently to develop eVTOL aircraft that could redefine how people move about in urban environments.

This information is based on a press release statement from Archer Aviation. The forward-looking statements in the press release reflect Archer's plans and market opportunities, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. Archer has disclosed these risks in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

InvestingPro Insights

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has made headlines with its recent FAA milestone for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, showcasing the company's potential in the urban air mobility space. However, a glance at the company's financial health through InvestingPro's real-time data suggests a nuanced picture. Archer holds a market capitalization of $119.72 million, indicative of its status as a small-cap company in a nascent industry. The company's Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio stands at -0.25, reflecting its current lack of profitability—a common trait among early-stage tech companies investing heavily in research and development.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Archer is quickly burning through cash and has weak gross profit margins, which may raise concerns for potential investors. The stock has experienced significant volatility, with price movements reflecting investor sensitivity to both industry news and the company's financial position. Over the last six months, the stock has taken a substantial hit, with a 43.19% drop in its price total return. Yet, it's worth noting that Archer's liquid assets exceed its short-term obligations, providing some cushion against immediate financial pressures.

For investors intrigued by Archer's long-term vision but cautious about its short-term challenges, additional InvestingPro Tips could offer deeper insights. With 12 more tips available on InvestingPro's platform, users can gain a more comprehensive understanding of Archer's financial standing and market potential. To delve further into these metrics and tips, and to make a more informed investment decision, consider using the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

As Archer Aviation progresses towards commercializing its eVTOL aircraft, the InvestingPro Insights suggest that while the company's technological advancements are promising, financial metrics and market performance should be closely monitored by current and prospective shareholders.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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