Flying cars once felt like science fiction and Jetsonian daydreams, but now it is a high-stakes race to reshape urban travel. With the air taxi market eyeing a $14 billion valuation by 2032, next-gen batteries are giving the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry the boost it needs.

While names like Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY) and Lilium (LILMF) are proving that flying cars are anything but fantasy, Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR) has quietly climbed the ranks, and has now earned a spotlight that few others can claim – becoming the Official Air Taxi Provider of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its Midnight eVTOLs are set to ferry VIPs above L.A.’s traffic-choked streets, linking electrified vertiports across key venues, supporting security ops, and redefining how fans arrive at the biggest sporting stage in the world.

So, with the Olympic torch lighting up Archer’s runway, does this stock deserve a lift into your portfolio, too?

About Archer Aviation Stock

California-based Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR), founded in 2018, is building next-gen eVTOL aircraft to redefine urban air mobility. With a $5.94 billion market cap, it’s advancing both commercial and defense applications. Archer’s ride-share model, Archer Direct, targets quick rollout by using existing airport and helipad infrastructure. Backed by strong partners and big cash, it's set to take flight once regulators give the go-ahead.

Archer Aviation’s stock has been flying high, up by a staggering 213% over the past year and 77.6% in just six months. Investor enthusiasm has been fueled by steady progress toward FAA certification and major production milestones. 

In fact, Archer Aviation soaring 22.9% last Tuesday on the Olympics win, and another 9.1% surge came in Friday’s trading session, supercharged by Cantor Fitzgerald’s bullish outlook.

Digging Into Archer’s Q1 Earnings Results

Archer Aviation’s fiscal Q1 2025 results, released on May 12, read like another chapter in the high-stakes story of a pre-revenue disruptor chasing the skies. The electric air taxi maker reported a net loss of $93.4 million, though its loss per share narrowed significantly to $0.17, halving from the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA, however, dropped further into the red at negative $109 million, compared to a $86.8 million loss a year ago. Non-GAAP operating expenses landed at just $113.1 million, a clear sign it is scaling smarter as it cruises toward commercial lift-off.

Despite the widening losses, Archer remains well-capitalized with over $1 billion in cash and equivalents, one of the strongest cushions in the air mobility sector. That war chest supports its ambitious roadmap, including plans to launch operations in the UAE later this year and build out a New York City air taxi network.

Plus, CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted strong progress on both the civil and defense fronts, stating the team continues to deepen strategic partnerships while gearing up for commercialization.

Archer also announced a partnership with Palantir Technologies (PLTR), tapping into AI and data analytics to streamline development and enhance efficiency, and potentially accelerating its go-to-market timeline.

Looking ahead, Archer expects a Q2 adjusted EBITDA loss between $100 million and $120 million. Amid the ongoing cash burn, Wall Street is keeping a close eye on operational progress and the company’s ability to transition from promise to profitability in the fast-approaching era of urban air mobility.

Analysts tracking the company anticipate losses to shrink by 30% year over year to $0.99 per share in fiscal 2025.

Archer’s Midnight Aircraft Cleared for LA28 Olympic Debut

Archer Aviation just scored a career-defining moment, being named the official air taxi partner for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But this is not just a branding win. It is a massive leap forward for the eVTOL industry and a potential catalyst for Archer’s real-world rollout. With over 15 million visitors expected, the Games offer Archer a global showcase to prove its Midnight aircraft is ready for primetime.

The plan is to fly VIPs, athletes, and fans across LA using a fleet of electric air taxis, which are quieter than helicopters and built with aviation-grade safety systems. Midnight’s routes will connect Olympic hot spots like SoFi Stadium, LAX, and Santa Monica, operating from purpose-built vertiports that also represent a future blueprint for urban air mobility.

This deal positions Archer as a transportation partner and as a symbol of innovation and sustainability. It may also grease the regulatory wheels for FAA certification, fast-tracking Archer’s commercial ambitions in the U.S. and beyond.

What Do Analysts Expect for Archer Aviation Stock?

Cantor Fitzgerald’s Andres Sheppard is all-in on Archer after scoring the exclusive air taxi deal for the LA28 Olympics and Team USA. The analyst reaffirmed his “Overweight” rating and $13 price target on the news, which he sees as a game-changer.

Plus, the company aims to launch its air taxi service by Q4 2025, with the UAE likely as its first stop. Sheppard’s bullish take also leans on Archer’s “highest in the industry” $1 billion cash pile and deep bench of partners, such as Anduril, car manufacturer Stellantis (STLA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL).

ACHR stock has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Of the nine analysts in coverage, five recommend a “Strong Buy,” two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and the remaining two have a “Hold” rating.

The average price target for ACHR is $12.25, a premium of about 15.8% to current levels. The Street-high price target is $13.50.