Summary

  • Archer Aviation has received Part 135 certification from the FAA, allowing commercial operations in the US.
  • Achieving the Part 135 certificate marks a significant step in Archer’s eVTOL aircraft development.
  • Recent success includes Part 145 certification and plans to establish air taxi bases across the US.

On Wednesday, June 5, Archer Aviation announced that its subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 certification awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Archer, which is one of the leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) companies in the world, now has the ability to operate as an air carrier in the United States. The Part 135 certification, which is designated as the Air Carrier & Operator certificate, allows the subsidiary to begin operating commercial operations. Archer Air is the second eVTOL company to achieve Part 135 certification. The other eVTOL company is Joby Aviation, which achieved Part 135 certification in 2022.

Part 135 certificate

The FAA awards a Part 135 certificate to companies that adhere to the necessary policies and procedures to begin operating its aircraft commercially. These companies must further operate its aircraft in accordance with the safety and operational standards that are determined by the FAA. Archer has taken another step in producing and certifying an eVTOL aircraft.

archer midnight

Photo: Archer

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Archer Aviation, Adam Goldstein, spoke about the major step in the certification process that Archer has taken. Goldstein stated,

“We are honored 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. This milestone reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to safety and operational excellence as we stand up one of the world’s first electric air taxi services for communities across the U.S. with a safe, sustainable and low noise transportation solution.”

Archer plans to utilize its Part 135 certificate to begin operating its aircraft commercially and refine the aircraft’s systems. The Part 135 certification process requires five stages to accomplish, including extensive documentation of operational manuals. It will assist in developing aircraft procedures ahead of launching its flagship aircraft Midnight into service. This will allow for a seamless transfer between Archer Air and other airlines that have already purchased aircraft, like United Airlines, prior to Midnight receiving its type certificate.

Archer Midnight flyingThe latest on Archer Aviation

This step towards type certification comes after Archer recently announced it also achieved its Part 145 certificate from the FAA. This second operational certificate allows Archer to perform specialized aircraft services, and this certificate designates Archer as a Repair Station Operator. Both the Part 135 and Part 145 certificates are major steps towards type certification for its eVTOL aircraft Midnight.

Related

Archer Makes Plans For Air Taxi Bases In New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco

Air taxis could be in service as soon as next year.

Prior to receiving both of these certificates, the Santa Clara, California-based eVTOL manufacturer also announced plans to establish several air taxi bases across the United States. This was accomplished by establishing an agreement with Atlantic Aviation, a fixed base operator (FBO). The locations for these air taxi bases are set to include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

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