Summary
- Archer Aviation partners with Southwest Airlines to develop eVTOL air taxi networks in California.
- The new Midnight aircraft from Archer is set to revolutionize urban travel by offering quick 10-20 minute flights.
- The collaboration aims to provide door-to-door transportation, saving time and enhancing the passenger experience.
US-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines to develop electric air taxi networks at airports across California. The partnership is strategic, considering the Dallas-based Southwest is the largest airline in the Golden State and Archer is a leading manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft.
The new Midnight aircraft is expected to transform urban travel. Air taxi flights are estimated to take 10-20 minutes, compared to 60-90-minute car commutes. The aircraft is also designed to deliver low-noise and cost-competitive operations.
“Eager to explore”
Both Archer and Southwest announced their partnership last week. They plan to “collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities…” Southwest’s employees and unions, including the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association (SWAPA), will be included as part of the collaboration to ensure that operations are maintained and remain efficient.
Photo: Business Wire
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Paul Cullen, Southwest’s Vice President of Real Estate, spoke about the new collaboration on Friday.
“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas. We’ve proudly served as California’s largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer’s electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”
Quick & efficient trips
The partnership could offer travelers door-to-door transportation, which would undoubtedly save time and streamline the journey. The Midnight is expected to be a game-changer in the industry as it will provide convenience to travelers getting around in big cities. Archer says the new aircraft is optimized for back-to-back short-distance trips of around 20 miles, flying up to 150 miles per hour, with a charging time of approximately 10 minutes in between.
Photo: Business Wire
“With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster,” said Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer. “By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”
Hoping for certification this year
Over the next few years, Archer and Southwest will outline how operations will look throughout California. Once launched, the service will showcase California’s “dedication to climate innovation,” according to Dee Dee Myers, the Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
“Archer’s collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state’s dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology. This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California’s climate action goals.”
The partnership is not Archer’s first, as the company plans to launch eVTOL operations with United Airlines in New York. The manufacturer is working towards Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the Midnight late this year with the hopes of launching service in 2025.
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