Urban mobility is about to be taken to a whole new dimension. Designed to be capable of flying distances of up to 100 miles, but optimized to conduct back to back flights of ~ 20 miles with ~12 minutes of charge time in between, at a cost that we believe will be competitive with ground based ride share. Midnight is aiming to redefine what air travel can be: low cost, low noise, with the safety of commercial airlines.

According to Archer, the first flight-ready Midnight prototype is complete, and ready to begin testing after Paris. It will carry four passengers and a pilot over distances up to 100 miles. Components are already being manufactured for the next (conforming) prototype, says Archer. The current version of the AAM Reality Index lists Archer as the third-closest eVTOL company to getting a product onto the market at mass scale behind Joby Aviation and Volocopter, as well as the third-best funded.

Powered by six independent battery packs, each supporting a pair of electric engines. Capable of flying up to 100 miles and optimized for regular 20-50 mile urban trips. Designed for a certified pilot on-board and comfort for up to four passengers and luggage.

Capitalizing on its moment in the global spotlight, the Paris region is planning for a small fleet of electric flying taxis to operate on multiple routes when it hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer. Unless aviation regulators in China beat Paris to the punch by greenlighting a pilotless taxi for two passengers under development there, the French capital’s prospective operator — Volocopter of Germany — could be the first to fly taxis commercially if European regulators give their OK.