Archer CEO discusses launch plans, executive orders, at Paris Air Show 

Archer Aviation, one of the world’s leading eVTOL developers, made headlines in the weeks prior to the 2025 Paris Air Show for two very different sets of reasons. 

First, in May, an extremely critical research report published by investment firm Culper Research threw doubt on some of Archer’s claims regarding the development state of the Midnight eVTOL aircraft. These claims were disputed by Archer, which pointed to the research firm as having a vested interest in short selling its publicly traded shares. 

This situation, however, was countered by a number of positive developments for Archer.

First was the successful start of Archer’s piloted flight test campaign. Then, an executive order signed by President Trump on June 6, 2025, helped to restore confidence in the advanced air mobility ecosystem by designating it as a priority industry for the new administration.  

The effects for Archer were quick and tangible, and just days after the executive order was signed, the advanced air mobility startup announced that it had raised an additional $850 million of fresh capital through a share placement. 

AeroTime caught up with Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, at the Paris Air Show, where the company exhibited a full-scale mockup of its Midnight eVTOL, and asked him about these recent developments, as well as plans to roll out eVTOL operations in the near future. 

Adam Goldstein at the Paris Air Show. Picture: Miquel Ros / AeroTimeGoldstein praised the bipartisan political support to further the advanced air mobility agenda, referring to the fact that, while the previous administration established a clear set of rules to enable the move towards eVTOL certification, President Trump’s executive order established this as a priority. 

While this executive order didn’t mention it by name, it has been widely understood in industry circles that Archer will be one of the five eVTOL projects of strategic importance that will be backed by this set of policies. 

“I don’t think anything is a given, but we are in a good position,” Goldstein stated confidently when asked about this particular point. 

Goldstein also dismissed the research report controversy, saying: “There are always going to be critics. We have had critics since day one. We prove everything by action. We have started our flight campaign, which is going really well, so we will continue to prove by showing not talking.”. 

He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to roll out operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as soon as circumstances permit. 

Among its investors, the Californian startup has several prominent investment funds from the region, including Mubadala, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi. It has also pitched its aircraft to Saudi Arabia. 

However, Goldstein dismissed the notion there was something akin to a competition between these countries to be first in the eVTOL launch race. 

“I don’t think it is a really a competition, just that there are groups that want to see it happen first.” he said, before adding: “The UAE is one of our closest partners and we hope to be able to launch soon in Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia has also the desire to see it happen soon and we have seen a lot of interest from the Kingdom.” 

Adding to its already considerable footprint in the Gulf region, Archer also signed a partnership with Dubai-based executive aviation operator Jetex at the Paris Air Show. The two companies will cooperate to leverage Jetex fixed-based operator (FBO) bases and terminals, starting in Dubai, but potentially extending it to Jetex’s network of 40 FBOs in 30 countries. 

When it comes to other regions that may be among the early adopters of eVTOL technology,  

Goldstein mentioned the United Kingdom as a forerunner for eVTOL operations in Europe, both in defense and civilian applications. 

“They will likely lead the way in Europe, but there are other countries that are interested as well,” he said, before referring specifically to the subject of Serbia, a country which has signaled its interest in showcasing the Midnight at the Belgrade Expo in 2027. 

Ultimately, while admitting that there is still a significant degree of regulatory uncertainty, Goldstein is convinced of the universal appeal of eVTOLs. 

“It’s pretty global, it’s pretty universal,” he said. “If you ask people what they value the most, they will tell you it’s their time. If you are able to create a time machine that allows people to save time, people get pretty excited about it. It allows them to do the things they want to do, instead of being stuck in traffic!”  

So, what’s the next big thing for Archer? 

“Our goal is to start flying in the UAE,” Goldstein concluded. “A bit of action is going to be good for the industry. It will allow us to show our products in a more visible way.”  The post Archer CEO discusses launch plans, executive orders, at Paris Air Show  appeared first on AeroTime.

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