Archer Aviation is revolutionizing urban air travel with its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). At the 2025 Paris Air Show, CEO Adam Goldstein revealed how AI and large language models (LLMs) could power an intelligent, query-based AI flight manual—offering pilots quick, precise responses during emergencies, far beyond what's possible with traditional digital handbooks.
Why AI for Pilots Matters
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Speed and precision: Pilots often reference quick-look handbooks during in-flight alerts. With AI, they could instantly ask, “What’s my procedure for a battery-alert during takeoff?” and get an accurate step-by-step answer. This supports better decision-making in time-critical situations .
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Avoiding hallucinations: ChatGPT-style generative AI can be fast—but prone to errors. To ensure reliability, Archer has partnered with Palantir to develop a secure, trustworthy AI system with nearly 100% accuracy for flight-critical applications.
Midnight: From Prototype to Pilot-Ready
Archer’s Midnight eVTOL continues to advance:
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Piloted conventional takeoff tests: After numerous autonomous flights, Midnight recently performed its first crewed runway takeoff and landing, reaching altitudes above 1,500 feet and speeds of 125 mph—verifying robust landing gear and flight control systems under real piloted conditions.
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Commercial backing & partnerships: United Airlines has placed orders worth up to $1.5 billion. Archer is also the official air-taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with plans to launch in the UAE by year-end.
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Global certifications underway: Archer secured FAA Part 135 approval—making Midnight one of the only eVTOLs cleared for commercial operations—and has joined an international coalition to accelerate global eVTOL certification.
AI + eVTOL = A Safer, Smarter Tomorrow
Archer’s strategy integrates advanced technology at every step:
Area:
- Flight safety
- Redundant systems
- Operational scale-up
- Multi-modal travel
Archer's Innovation:
- AI flight manual delivers real-time procedural guidance during emergencies.
- Test flights validate reliability across landing gear, rotors, batteries.
- Partnerships with United and global regulators open pathways to commercial rollout.
- Midnight connects airport trips—like Newark‑Manhattan in ~9 minutes—seamlessly.
Why It Matters for Urban Mobility
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Redefining city travel: eVTOLs aim to cut average commutes dramatically (e.g., a 60–90 min drive reduced to 10 min airborne), with eco-friendly electric propulsion.
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Next-gen aviation infrastructure: Vertiports and digital air-traffic tools are becoming essential as cities prepare for flying taxis .
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Trust matters: A reliable AI manual and redundant hardware boost confidence for pilots, regulators, and future passengers.
🚀 Final Overview
Archer Aviation isn’t just building electric helicopters—it’s crafting a future where humans and AI work hand-in-hand in the skies. From on-call AI flight manuals to rigorous piloted testing and global deployment strategies, Midnight represents the next frontier in safe, efficient, scalable urban air mobility.
