## Skip the Traffic, Soar to the Airport: Archer and United Plan NYC Air Taxi Service
Imagine bypassing the gridlock of New York City traffic and arriving at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Airport in a mere 5-15 minutes. That’s the vision Archer Aviation and United Airlines are aiming to make a reality with their planned air taxi service in the Big Apple.
The companies intend to utilize existing helipads at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Lower Manhattan as launch points for Archer’s all-electric “Midnight” aircraft. This sleek eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, will offer a quick and convenient alternative to ground transportation, connecting Manhattan to the major airports and even regional hubs like Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Republic Airport.
Think of it as an “add-on” to your existing flight. While pricing is still under wraps, the service promises to drastically cut down travel time. Currently, a helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK via Blade costs around $265 per seat, offering a benchmark for potential pricing.
Although the exact launch date for the NYC service remains undisclosed, Archer has its sights set on debuting its Midnight aircraft commercially in Los Angeles during the 2028 Olympics.
Before taking to the skies, the Midnight aircraft must first secure type certification from the FAA, demonstrating its compliance with stringent design and safety standards. Archer has already achieved Parts 135 and 145 certification for on-demand services and specialized repair, marking significant milestones in the process.
The Midnight boasts a range of up to 100 miles and can reach speeds of up to 150mph, all powered by batteries. Its innovative tilt-rotor design allows for vertical takeoff and landing, similar to a helicopter, before transitioning to forward flight like a conventional airplane.
Archer emerged from stealth mode in 2020, quickly attracting attention and talent from industry players like Wisk and Airbus’ Vahana project. The company has secured a massive $1 billion order from United Airlines, a $500 million deal with a Japan Airlines’ joint venture, and a partnership with automaker Stellantis for mass production. Recent funding rounds have also bolstered Archer’s financial position, providing approximately $1 billion in liquidity.
Beyond commercial applications, Archer is also venturing into the defense sector, collaborating with Anduril Industries to develop next-generation military aircraft.
While the concept of “flying cars” often surfaces in discussions about air taxis, these eVTOLs are more akin to quieter, cleaner helicopters. Archer joins companies like Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies in the race to establish widespread air taxi services. However, the industry is not without its challenges, as evidenced by the recent insolvency of two subsidiaries of German company Lilium.
Archer and United’s air taxi ambitions represent a bold step towards revolutionizing urban transportation, offering a glimpse into a future where congested roads are replaced with efficient and eco-friendly aerial commutes. Whether they can overcome the regulatory hurdles and financial challenges remains to be seen, but the promise of a swift escape from NYC traffic is undeniably appealing.