The future of urban transportation may soon include air taxis, as aviation startup Archer and major airline United Airlines plan to introduce an air taxi service in New York City. The innovative service aims to reduce travel time between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, making journeys more efficient for passengers.
Archer’s all-electric Midnight aircraft is designed to accommodate up to four passengers and a pilot, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional helicopter rides. The aircraft will take off and land vertically using tilt rotors, before transitioning into forward flight like an airplane for speedier journeys. With a range of up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph on pure battery power, Midnight is set to revolutionize the way we travel in congested cities.
Passengers will be able to book trips from Manhattan’s helipads, located at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Lower Manhattan, to all three major airports as well as three smaller regional hubs at Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Republic Airport. The specific price for these air taxi trips has not yet been determined, but they will be available as an add-on to existing flights.
However, before this exciting service can take flight, Archer needs to obtain type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Midnight aircraft, ensuring that it meets all design and safety standards. The company has previously received Parts 135 and 145 certifications for on-demand services and specialized repair.
Archer’s ambitious plans don’t stop there. The company, which came out of stealth in spring 2020 after poaching key talent from Wisk and Airbus’ Vahana project, has already secured a $1 billion order from United Airlines for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It also signed a $500 million deal with a Japan Airlines’ joint venture and agreed to mass-produce with automaker Stellantis. Additionally, Archer recently closed several funding rounds, amassing about $1 billion in liquidity to fund its ambitious projects.
As the company expands into the defense space, it has plans to develop next-generation military aircraft for Anduril Industries. This latest investment round included participation from Blackrock, Willington, and leading institutional investors, demonstrating the confidence of industry leaders in Archer’s capabilities.
While Archer and United are not yet revealing when the NYC air taxi service will officially launch, the company plans to have its aircraft debut commercially in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. As competitors like Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies also strive to introduce their own air taxi services nationwide, it remains to be seen which companies will succeed in this rapidly evolving market.
One thing is certain: air taxis offer an exciting new chapter in urban transportation, with the potential to reduce congestion, decrease travel time, and improve overall mobility for city dwellers. As these promising innovations take flight, we can expect a significant transformation in how we navigate our bustling cities.
