Archer Aviation Stock Draws Retail Chatter After Midnight eVTOL Takes Flight In Abu Dhabi

Archer Aviation (ACHR) stock garnered retail attention on Wednesday after the air taxi firm said it had completed an initial test flight of its Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi.

The company said that the test focused on evaluating the performance of its Midnight aircraft in UAE-specific conditions, including temperature, humidity, and dust exposure. “The test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment,” the company said.

This marked another crucial step toward regulatory approval for the company, which, like peer Joby Aviation, is competing in the nascent electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry. Many large cities worldwide consider eVTOL an alternative to road travel to avoid traffic congestion. The company plans to commence operations in the UAE later this year.

“Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.,” CEO Adam Goldstein said following the test flight, with senior officials of the Abu Dhabi government in attendance.

The regulatory landscape at home appears favorable for air taxi makers, with President Donald Trump issuing an executive order in June to expedite the deployment of eVTOLs. Archer had raised $850 million following Trump’s executive orders.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding Archer stock was in the ‘bearish’ (40/100) territory, while retail message volume increased by about 46% compared to the previous day.

“It sets a global benchmark for urban air mobility outside the U.S.,” one trader said about the Abu Dhabi partnership.

Last month, the U.S. also launched a five-country alliance aimed at streamlining the certification and deployment of eVTOL aircraft globally. This alliance includes the U.S., the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Archer stock has gained 4.3% this year.

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