- Archer (ACHR, Financial) partners with United Airlines for a New York City air taxi network.
- Midnight aircraft will cut travel time between Manhattan and airports to 5-15 minutes.
- FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate received, with Type Certification pending.
Archer Aviation (ACHR) has announced a partnership with United Airlines to create an air taxi network in New York City, aiming to revolutionize regional transportation. The network will leverage Archer’s Midnight aircraft, reducing travel time between Manhattan and nearby airports from the typical 1-2 hour drive to a quick 5-15 minute flight.
The Midnight aircraft, a piloted electric air taxi capable of carrying four passengers, boasts 12 engines and propellers to ensure redundancy and safety comparable to commercial airliners. Archer plans to utilize existing aviation infrastructure, including airports and helipads, to establish vertiports in the New York area.
In June 2024, Archer received its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate, and the company is working towards obtaining Type Certification for its Midnight aircraft. Once certified, Archer and its partners aim to integrate Midnight into the service network, initially targeting major airports in the New York City area.
United Airlines has already placed an order for a fleet of Midnight aircraft and remains a long-term investor in Archer. Infrastructure partners for this initiative include Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/GroupeADP, Modern Aviation, and Air Pegasus.
The new NYC air taxi network follows similar projects announced for San Francisco and Los Angeles, highlighting Archer's strategy to target major cities with significant transportation challenges. The initiative is expected to not only save time for travelers but also offer a sustainable, quieter alternative to traditional helicopters.
