Archer (NYSE: ACHR), in collaboration with United Airlines, has announced an innovative plan to launch an air taxi network in New York City.
This initiative aims to revolutionize travel for residents and visitors by offering a faster, greener way to navigate the region.
Using Archer’s electric air taxi, Midnight, the network promises to cut travel times significantly, connecting Manhattan to nearby airports in just 5 to 15 minutes.
The New Urban Travel
New York City’s traffic is infamous, often turning short trips into hour-long ordeals. Archer’s air taxi service seeks to change that. With Midnight, passengers can bypass congested roads and reach major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark in minutes.
This could transform the travel experience, making it quicker and more convenient to move between the city and its airports.
Midnight is a piloted, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to carry four passengers. It produces far less noise and emissions than traditional helicopters, aligning with the city’s push for sustainable transportation.
The aircraft features 12 engines and propellers, along with redundant systems, to ensure safety levels comparable to commercial airliners. Archer is manufacturing Midnight at its facilities in San Jose, California, and Covington, Georgia.
Building the Network
Archer plans to leverage existing aviation infrastructure, such as helipads and airports, to establish vertiports across the region.
These vertiports will serve as takeoff and landing hubs for Midnight. The company is partnering with infrastructure leaders like Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/GroupeADP, Modern Aviation, and Air Pegasus to develop and electrify these sites.
The air taxi service will complement traditional airline travel. Passengers can book Archer flights alongside their United Airlines tickets, streamlining their journey from door to airport. United, a long-time investor in Archer, has already ordered a fleet of Midnight aircraft to support this vision.
Regulatory Progress and Safety
Archer is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to achieve Type Certification for Midnight. This certification is a critical step to ensure the aircraft meets stringent safety standards.
In June 2024, Archer received its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate, marking significant progress toward launching commercial operations.
Once certified, Archer and its partners aim to integrate Midnight into New York’s transportation network safely and efficiently.
New York: Prime Air Taxi Market
Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, sees New York as a prime market for air taxis. “The region’s three major airports serve over 150 million passengers annually, but getting to them from Manhattan can take hours,” Goldstein said. “Our air taxis can reduce that to minutes, using existing helicopter infrastructure and strong local demand.”
United Airlines shares this vision. Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures, emphasized the partnership’s focus on innovation.
“We’re working with Archer to build the infrastructure needed for advanced air mobility, from real estate to airspace management,” Chang said. “This will enhance the customer experience at every step.”
Support from Local Leaders
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is enthusiastic about the project. Executive Director Rick Cotton noted, “We’re excited to explore how air mobility can fit into the region’s transportation network. We look forward to working with Archer and others to ensure safe and efficient operations.”
New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) also supports the initiative. President & CEO Andrew Kimball highlighted its potential to reduce roadway congestion and emissions.
“This is an exciting step toward sustainable air transportation,” Kimball said. “We’re eager to partner with Archer to integrate eVTOLs into our city.”
Expanding the Air Taxi Model
New York isn’t Archer’s first venture into air taxi networks. The company has already announced similar plans for San Francisco and Los Angeles. The inclusion of New York signals its ambition to reshape urban mobility nationwide.
With its focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency, Archer’s New York network could set a new standard for city travel.
As Archer and United Airlines move forward, their collaboration promises to bring a faster, greener, and more convenient travel option to one of the world’s busiest cities.
New Yorkers may soon soar above the traffic, redefining how they get around.
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