Advanced Air Mobility News

Archer and United Announce First Electric Air Taxi Route

Archer and United Announce First Electric Air Taxi Route

Archer Aviation and United Airlines unveiled the first-ever airport-to-city center flight route that will one day see passengers travel to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) via Archer’s eVTOL.

The flight path between United’s hub at EWR and Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York City was announced on November 10 and is expected to be launched in 2025.

The heliport, located just above Battery Park on Pier 6, has been confirmed as the first planned take-off and landing location and is part of Archer’s wider goal to launch an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) network across the New York Metropolitan Area that promises passengers safe, efficient and emission-free transport.

Archer’s planned flight path, which marks the first specific route ever announced in the eVTOL industry, will cut the journey time between EWR and Downtown Manhattan to around 10 minutes. A similar journey by car typically requires more than an hour during rush hour traffic.

The announcement comes ahead of Archer Aviation’s plan to unveil its five-seat eVTOL, dubbed Midnight, to the public at an Open House on November 16. It will be able to fly up to 60 miles on a single charge and reach speeds of up to 150 mph.

“We’re excited to be confirming New York as the first of many routes we’ll be announcing alongside United as we work to build out our national UAM network,” said Adam Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Archer. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with United and to working closely with state and local government leaders in the New York and New Jersey area as we bring this exciting new form of transportation to life.”

“Once operational, electric air taxis will fundamentally change how United customers experience comfort, convenience, and efficiency during their commutes to the airport,” said Michael Leskinen, President, United Airlines Ventures. “Archer’s New York to Newark route marks another important benchmark towards providing a carbon-neutral and safe commute that drastically reduces the travel time and produces a fraction of the sound emitted by helicopters.”

In August, United Airlines placed a US$10 million deposit for 100 of Archer’s eVTOLs, and currently holds a roughly 2 percent stake in the company.

Shares of Archer Aviation, which went public via a special purpose acquisition company merger in September 2021, rose by 13 percent on the day of the announcement.

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