Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR) said it plans to join the new federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. The program was set by the White House in June to speed up the rollout of electric air taxis in U.S. cities. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration will run the program and give companies a way to test flights before full sign-off.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
As part of this effort, Archer is in talks with airlines such as United Airlines (UAL) and with select U.S. cities. The aim is to carry out trial runs of Archer’s Midnight aircraft under the new program. The company said the flights will highlight that its planes can fly in a safe way, keep noise low, and run at scale. These points are seen as key for local support. Meanwhile, after a challenging 2025 for ACHR shares, the stock rose 3% on Friday and an additional 1.14% in after-hours trading.
Focus on Next Steps
The announcement marks a new phase for Archer as it transitions from testing to real-world use. Trial flights could start as soon as 2026. The company said the data will help set a path for later use at full scale. Archer’s Chief Executive, Adam Goldstein, said the step shows that the U.S. is ready to move air taxis toward the market. He said early flights will build trust with the public. United Airlines noted its early bet on Archer in 2021 and said the new program shows why it backed the firm.
The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program is seen as the first U.S. plan made only for air taxi firms. It sets up a track for Archer and rivals to show their tech can work in cities. For investors, the news adds a clear sign that Archer has federal help as it aims for growth in the years ahead.
Is Archer Aviation Stock a Good Buy?
Despite the rough year for ACHR shares, Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about the company. Based on seven recent ratings, Archer Aviation boasts a “Strong Buy” consensus with an average 12-month price target of $13.14. This implies a 50.17% upside from the current price.
Source link
