Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Archer to Launch Air Taxi Service in New York City with United Airlines
Electric aviation firm Archer is set to introduce an air taxi service in New York City in collaboration with United Airlines, offering swift transit between Manhattan and key airports such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The company envisions replacing lengthy ground transportation through traffic-heavy routes with rapid aerial commutes, reducing travel time to a mere 5 to 15 minutes.
Vertiports and Key Routes
The air taxi operation by Archer and United will leverage existing vertiports located at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Lower Manhattan. These sites will serve as launch points for Archer’s all-electric Midnight aircraft, designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot. From these vertiports, passengers can access not only the three major airports but also regional aviation hubs including Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Republic Airport.
- Manhattan to JFK Airport
- Manhattan to LaGuardia Airport
- Manhattan to Newark Airport
- Manhattan to Westchester County Airport
- Manhattan to Teterboro Airport
- Manhattan to Republic Airport
Booking and Potential Pricing
Travelers will have the option to book air taxi journeys as an adjunct to their scheduled flights, although pricing details are yet to be announced. For context, a comparable one-way helicopter service from Manhattan to JFK as offered by Blade currently costs approximately $265 per seat.
Launch Timeline and Expansion Plans
While the precise launch date for the NYC air taxi service remains undisclosed by both companies, Archer has indicated that its Midnight aircraft is slated to make its commercial premiere in Los Angeles, coinciding with the 2028 Olympic Games.
Regulatory Certification
Prior to commencing operations, Archer must secure type certification for its Midnight air taxi. This certification verifies that the aircraft adheres to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design and safety mandates. The company has already obtained Parts 135 and 145 certifications, which pertain to on-demand air services and specialized maintenance operations.
Midnight Aircraft Capabilities
Performance and Technology
The Midnight aircraft boasts a range of up to 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers) and can reach speeds of 150 mph (241 km/h) relying solely on battery power. Utilizing tilt rotor technology, the Midnight is engineered to take off and land vertically, akin to a helicopter, before transitioning to horizontal flight, similar to a conventional airplane.
Defense Sector Expansion and Investment
Archer is also expanding its focus into the defense sector, with intentions to develop next-generation military aircraft for Anduril Industries. A recent funding round for Archer included investments from Blackrock, Wellington Management, and prominent institutional investors.
Context of the Air Taxi Industry
Urban Air Mobility Landscape
Air taxis, occasionally referred to as “flying cars” in popular media, are fundamentally electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for urban air mobility. Alongside Archer, firms such as Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies have announced plans to initiate similar services with the aim of nationwide scalability. However, the sector faces challenges, as illustrated by the recent announcement from German company Lilium concerning the insolvency and potential closure of two of its subsidiaries.