Archer Aviation Inc. ( ACHR ) shares are trading higher on Wednesday.

The company’s subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

This certificate allows Archer to begin operating aircraft commercially to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight aircraft into service for airlines like United Airlines Holdings, Inc. ( UAL ) when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification. 

Archer is one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certification from the FAA, the company said in a press release.

The company said it plans to use conventional aircraft now to refine its systems and procedures before launching Midnight aircraft into service when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification.

The company said that Archer has received the Part 135 certificate in accordance with the stringent safety and operational standards set forth by the FAA.

In addition to its Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA, allowing it to perform specialized aircraft repair services.

This indicates that Archer has obtained the two essential operational certificates from the FAA, paving the way for the commencement of air taxi operations once Midnight receives its Type Certification.

“We would like to thank the FAA for their ongoing collaboration with Archer and congratulate the Archer Air team on achieving this important milestone for the company,” said Tom Anderson, Archer Air’s Chief Operating Officer.

What’s Next?

Archer said it aims to revolutionize urban transportation by replacing 60–90-minute car commutes with 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive.

Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

Price Action: ACHR shares are trading higher by 7.54% to $3.495 at last check Wednesday.

Image: Courtesy of Archer Aviation, Inc. ( ACHR )