Last week, beneath a clear California sky, Archer Aviation’s (ACHR) Midnight aircraft rolled down the runway, gathered speed, and lifted off, not vertically like in the sci-fi dreams it’s often compared to, but the old-fashioned way, wheels first. It was a quiet yet meaningful milestone. By successfully completing its first piloted conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), Midnight proved it’s more than just a futuristic concept. It’s becoming a real aircraft—capable not only of vertical hops between rooftops, but also of stretching its wings on a traditional runway.
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What CTOL Means for Archer
CTOL flights demand stronger landing gear and more robust control systems. Archer’s ability to demonstrate this capability shows that its aircraft can operate in the real world, across a variety of environments. “Put simply, the performance of Midnight continues to demonstrate the strengths of our design decisions for this aircraft platform,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer. “Midnight’s VTOL and CTOL capabilities are a strong differentiator for us as they are critical for delivering an aircraft that can integrate into a wide range of operational scenarios while also providing enhanced safety.”
Government regulators and customers, including defense partners, have flagged CTOL as a key feature, citing its role in improving both safety and operational flexibility.
For Archer, this isn’t just about ticking boxes on a test program. It’s about signaling that the Midnight aircraft is maturing. That matters. As noted in a previous piece, Archer has long promised that 2025 would be the year it starts delivering aircraft, not just press releases. The new Georgia factory is built, and partners like Stellantis (STLA) are lined up to help scale production. Yet, with the year nearly half over, those deliveries have yet to begin.
Archer Is Moving Forward Despite Challenges
The CTOL test doesn’t change that timeline, but it helps. It shows progress at a moment when the entire eVTOL industry is facing delays and growing scrutiny. Other players, such as Joby (JOBY) and Vertical Aerospace (EVTL), have faced challenges with certification hurdles or technical issues. Archer’s ability to keep moving forward, even incrementally, helps sustain its narrative as a leader in a crowded field.
Still, challenges remain. Archer continues to burn through cash without generating revenue, and its high-flying stock rests on expectations that must soon turn into results. The successful CTOL flight adds technical credibility, but investors and partners are watching for signs that production and certification are keeping pace.
Midnight is closer than ever to commercial reality. It’s no flying car from a sci-fi movie, but it’s something real: an aircraft that just took off and landed the old-fashioned way—with a pilot in the cockpit and wheels on the runway. That kind of progress may not go viral, but it’s exactly what Archer needs right now: less hype, more hardware.
Is Archer Aviation Stock a Good Buy?
After Barclay’s latest Hold rating, Archer Aviation moved from a Strong Buy to a Moderate Buy rating. The average ACHR stock price target is $10.92, implying a 12.23% upside.
