In collaboration with United Airlines (UA), Archer Aviation aims to establish an electric air taxi service in New York City (NYC) that links Manhattan to key airports such as John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR) within 5-15 minutes.

The proposed system would utilize existing vertiports and helipads, providing a quieter, emissions-free alternative to helicopters. Archer is working towards FAA certification for Midnight, with the aim of commercial operations by 2025.

United Archer Air Transport

Through a strategic partnership with United Airlines (UA), Archer Aviation has introduced a forward-thinking plan to transform airport commutes in New York City.

The suggested air taxi system will utilize Archer’s Midnight aircraft, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle built to transport four passengers along with a pilot.

The air taxi service links Manhattan to major airports, including John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR), as well as regional hubs such as Westchester County (HPN), Teterboro (TEB), and Republic (FRG).

The network guarantees a quicker, quieter, and more sustainable travel alternative by substituting 1-2 hour drives with 5-15 minute flights, thus avoiding New York City’s infamous congestion.

Midnight, in contrast to conventional helicopters, is more silent and environmentally friendly, and features safety redundancies comparable to those of commercial airliners, such as 12 electric motors and propellers.

The network will connect with the current aviation infrastructure, which comprises heliports at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Downtown Manhattan (JRB), in addition to vertiports at the designated airports.

In order to electrify and repurpose aviation assets for eVTOL operations, Archer is working with various partners in aviation infrastructure, including Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/Groupe ADP, Modern Aviation, and Air Pegasus.

These initiatives correspond with the company’s goal of establishing a sustainable and scalable urban air mobility ecosystem.

Midnight Aircraft Design

The Midnight aircraft is central to Archer’s vision. It is designed for short-range, high-frequency services and can carry passengers over traffic-clogged zones in just a few minutes.

Essential characteristics comprise:

Capacity: 4 passengers plus pilot.
Performance: 100-mile range, speeds up to 150 mph.
Safety: 12 redundant engines/propellers that comply with commercial airline safety standards.
All-Electric Propulsion: Reduced emissions and operating expenses.
Noise Reduction: 40–50 dB less than helicopters, essential for noise-sensitive areas in NYC.

An early investor, United Airlines, has placed a pre-order for a Midnight fleet to incorporate at its airport hubs.

Advancement in Regulation

Archer was awarded its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate in June 2024. The company is currently seeking Type Certification for Midnight aircraft, which is essential for commercial deployment.

After obtaining certification, Archer and United Airlines plan to incorporate eVTOL services into passenger travel plans, thereby minimizing the total transit time for travelers from their origin to their destination.

Archer’s operational model perceives these flights as an addition to conventional airline services. Passengers will enjoy a completely integrated and time-saving travel experience by providing smooth connections between urban hubs and airports.

Bottom Line

As a major investor in Archer, United Airlines (UA) has placed a pre-order for a fleet of Midnight aircraft and is aiding the development of airspace management, real estate, and safety protocols necessary for advanced air mobility.

Government organizations such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) have shown support for investigating eVTOL integration. NYCEDC stressed the initiative’s importance in advancing cleaner skies, relieving road congestion, and improving urban mobility.

New York is joining areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where Archer is also developing air taxi networks.

Topics #Archer #electric air taxi service #New York City #United Airlines