Archer Aviation has released that its subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification enables Archer to commence commercial aircraft operations, allowing the company to refine its systems and procedures ahead of launching the Midnight aircraft into service for airlines such as United Airlines once Midnight receives its Type Certification.
Receiving the Part 135 certificate signifies that Archer Air has developed and demonstrated to the FAA the necessary policies and procedures to operate aircraft commercially, adhering to stringent safety and operational standards. This milestone underscores Archer's growing momentum with the FAA, making it one of only two air taxi manufacturers globally to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certificate.
In addition to the Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA, allowing it to perform specialised aircraft repair services. With these two key operational certificates, Archer is now positioned to begin air taxi operations once Midnight achieves Type Certification. Recently, the FAA also issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft.
The completion of the Part 135 certification process involved five rigorous stages, including the submission of extensive documentation of operational manuals and procedures, as well as Archer's pilots demonstrating proficiency with these manuals and procedures under FAA observation.
“The pace of progress and innovation that Archer has achieved over the last few years is nothing short of impressive and today marks another key milestone in their journey to bring safe, sustainable, and low-noise air taxi services to market,” said Mike Leskinen, United Airlines' Chief Financial Officer. “United Airlines extends our congratulations to Archer's team on receiving their Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air transportation and delivering unparalleled flying experiences to United passengers.”
