California-based Archer Aviation has launched its US-wide "No Roads" flight tour to expand testing of its Midnight electric air taxi beyond airport-based operations. The programme is designed to demonstrate point-to-point regional routes linking city pairs in coordination with the US Federal Aviation Administration. The testing aims to evaluate operational readiness ahead of Archer's planned commercial air taxi services during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The initial phase of the tour focuses on Northern California, with flight operations planned across key locations including Monterey, Hollister, San Martin, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco. The initiative follows more than 70 test flights completed in August, including a round-trip flight between Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) that demonstrated the Midnight aircraft operating between two separate regional airports.
Archer's Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft tailored for short urban and regional transit. Powered by an electric propulsion system designed for zero direct emissions and low noise levels compared to conventional helicopters, the aircraft is intended to replace road journeys taking an hour or longer with flights lasting approximately 10 to 20 minutes while validating supporting charging infrastructure and operational procedures.
The tour is integrated with Archer's participation in the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and serves as preparation for expanding tests to Los Angeles, Texas, and Florida. In addition to being selected as the official air taxi provider for LA28, Archer recently partnered with sports and entertainment group AEG to develop a dedicated vertiport at LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles.
