Archer Aviation announced plans to establish air taxi networks in three major Texas metropolitan areas: Austin, Houston, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The company aims to use its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named Midnight, for these services, pending final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Archer is currently in the concluding phase of the regulatory process with the FAA. The company plans to conduct demonstration flights in Texas starting next year as part of its efforts to build infrastructure capable of supporting commercial operations once it receives certification. The intended networks are designed to enhance connectivity between key airports, business districts, and tourist destinations in the selected cities, leveraging the high traffic volumes typical of these areas.

This strategic expansion follows a significant partnership with Boeing, announced in August. Boeing agreed to acquire nearly a 20% stake in Archer, a deal that also transfers Boeing’s flying taxi venture, Wisk Aero, along with its air-traffic software provider SkyGrid and the drone manufacturer Insitu, to Archer. This consolidation is expected to strengthen Archer’s position in the emerging urban air mobility sector.

Archer, headquartered in California, recently completed a multi-city flight tour across Northern California. The demonstration demonstrated the practicality of air taxis operating in urban settings, with stops in seven cities over a three-day span. The Texas launch is seen as a critical step in Archer’s broader plan to scale its commercial air taxi services nationwide.