Home / Archer Aviation News: Lilium Patent Deal, Midnight Flight Record, & Earnings

Archer Aviation News: Lilium Patent Deal, Midnight Flight Record, & Earnings

By: Jasmin Espinas

Updated: October 15, 2025

Published: October 15, 2025

Advertising Disclosure

The content featured in this article may include sponsored placements or affiliate partnerships. These do not reflect the views or recommendations of Financial Daily Update.

We do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of information presented by third-party contributors or advertisers. You are encouraged to verify all product claims and service terms directly with the provider.

Some of the links on this page may lead to financial partners. If you take action through those links—such as applying for a loan or signing up for a service—we may earn compensation.

That said, all editorial content is written independently and without bias, in line with our mission to provide transparent and informative financial reporting.

Archer Aviation is positioning itself as one of the frontrunners in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In recent Archer Aviation news, the company has acquired Lilium’s patent portfolio.

This update covers the patent deal, a new flight milestone for the Midnight aircraft, and Archer’s latest earnings report.

Archer Aviation Acquires Lilium’s Patent Portfolio in $21 Million Deal

On Wednesday, October 15, Archer Aviation announced it had secured Lilium’s advanced air mobility patent portfolio through a successful €18 million ($20.91 million) bid.

We’ve acquired Lilium’s patent portfolio, which includes ~300 patents. This portfolio covers innovations in eVTOL technology including ducted fans, propeller systems, high-voltage systems, battery management, aircraft design, flight controls, and electric engines. We believe… pic.twitter.com/z9a6p13ziY

— Archer (@ArcherAviation) October 15, 2025

The agreement adds approximately 300 patent assets to Archer’s expanding portfolio, taking its total to over 1,000 formed and in-process patents.

After the news, Archer’s stock rose 8.5% in early trading, indicating that investors believe the acquisition is strategically beneficial.

The acquisition portfolio also includes patents around high-voltage systems, battery management, electric engines, flight control systems, and ducted-fan propulsion.

Archer Aviation Sets New Record in Midnight Flight Testing Program

Archer said that its Midnight aircraft ascended to an altitude of 7,000 feet during a flight at the company’s test site in Salinas, Calif.

It’s Midnight’s highest-known altitude to date, and accounts for the company’s effort to open up its flight envelope.

The test is one of several designed to evaluate how the aircraft performs under different altitude and range conditions.

Most eVTOLs range from 1,500 to 4,000 feet when navigating urban routes; going up to 7,000 feet provides operators with more maneuvering room in dense airspace and in cities where elevations are higher.

After the test, Midnight was exhibited at the 2025 California International Air Show.

Archer Aviation Q2 Earnings Highlight Midnight Aircraft Manufacturing Progress

In other Archer Aviation news, the company released its second-quarter financials on August 11.

Archer recorded $176.1 million in GAAP operating expenses, and non-GAAP adjusted expenses totaled $123.5 million.

The company also had $1.72 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter. GAAP net loss was $206 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $118.7 million.

Archer now has six Midnights in production, with three in final assembly. Their delivery is part of the company’s continued production acceleration in advance of FAA type certification.

Archer was also the Official Air Taxi Provider for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The selection is expected to support regulatory momentum and public agency engagement across local and federal levels.

For Q3 2025, Archer projects an adjusted EBITDA loss in the range of USD 110-130 million.

Archer Aviation News: Conclusion

Archer is entering a more execution-focused phase, with manufacturing, certification, and regulatory coordination now in sharper focus. The company has the capital to sustain development and is making visible progress toward operational targets.

Its role in the LA 2028 Olympics adds institutional backing, which could help accelerate certification timelines. While financial losses continue, Archer’s pace and positioning suggest a defined strategy aimed at near-term deployment.

To stay updated on the latest Archer Aviation news and more corporate finance developments, subscribe to Financial Daily Update today.