Archer "Midnight" Air Taxi Selected for White House Pilot Program, System Equipped with NVIDIA IGX Thor

Archer Aviation announced on March 9th that it was selected as a White House partner for the aerial taxi pilot program. This collaboration marks the first time in nearly 80 years that a new eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) has been integrated into the civil aviation transportation system in the United States. The service is expected to officially launch operations as early as the second half of this year. Earlier this year, CEO Adam Goldstein announced that Archer would deploy an aerospace AI platform using NVIDIA IGX Thor.

“Midnight” Air Taxi Expected to Take Off in the Second Half of the Year

Archer’s government partners include the Texas Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation, and the Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey. Archer (NYSE: ACHR)’s eVTOL is the first in U.S. aviation history to classify a new type of aircraft as an air taxi capable of flying domestic routes. The pilot program, coordinated by the White House (eIPP), is not just a technical test but the first system designed for this new type of aircraft in nearly 80 years.

Archer’s air taxi, named Midnight, can carry up to four passengers and is claimed to produce less noise and emissions than traditional helicopters. Midnight features a redundant system design, including 12 engines and propellers, enabling Archer to achieve safety levels comparable to commercial aircraft. Archer aims to allow passengers to enjoy the tranquility of midnight, replacing 60-90 minute ground trips with electric flights, shortening travel time, and alleviating increasingly severe traffic congestion.

Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein expressed gratitude to Secretary Duffy and Director Bedford for their leadership, noting that allowing Midnight to fly over some of America’s largest cities is the clearest signal yet from the White House, FAA, and DOT that promoting air taxis is a priority for the U.S. government.

Archer hopes this pilot flight will accumulate operational experience, inform future route deployment, and increase public acceptance, as well as prepare for air taxi operations during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Archer Deploys NVIDIA IGX Thor AI Model

On the technical side, Archer is utilizing the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform to develop and deploy next-generation aerospace AI technology. Since early 2025, Archer has been collaborating with NVIDIA, integrating the NVIDIA IGX Thor AI computing module into future aircraft projects. NVIDIA IGX Thor provides real-time onboard computing. Goldstein expressed pride in working with NVIDIA, stating that NVIDIA’s AI computing power and software stack have laid the foundation for Archer, enabling faster development of safer AI systems and modernizing aviation.

Recently, Archer acquired a hangar at Los Angeles’ Hawthorne Airport. The collaboration with NVIDIA will be showcased there, as the airport is planned to become a hub for the planned air taxi network and an AI-driven aerospace technology testing platform.

This article about Archer’s “Midnight” air taxi being selected for the White House pilot program and equipped with NVIDIA IGX Thor first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.