Archer Aviation teams up with United Airlines to make air taxis a reality

Core Insights - A growing number of companies are developing flying taxi services to replace traditional airport commutes, with Archer Aviation partnering with United Airlines to create an air taxi network in New York City [1][4]. Company Overview - Archer Aviation, founded in 2018 and publicly listed in 2021, has a market valuation of $3.94 billion and has agreements with major airports in the New York region, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark [4]. - The company is also planning to establish air taxi networks in Los Angeles and San Francisco and is in the final stages of securing FAA approval [5]. Service Details - The air taxi service aims to transport passengers to their flights within minutes using the piloted electric air taxi, Midnight, which can carry four passengers [2]. - Initially, the service will target business and first-class travelers, with plans to make it affordable for everyday commuters in the long term [3]. Safety and Technology - Archer's Midnight aircraft features an all-electric propulsion system with 12 separate propellers, enhancing safety and reliability compared to traditional helicopters [11]. - The aircraft's design includes a digital flight control system that prevents maneuvers that could damage the aircraft, and it can glide up to 20 miles, providing an additional safety layer [12]. Regulatory and Market Position - Archer aims to launch commercial operations in Abu Dhabi as early as this year, with a New York City launch targeted for 2026, pending regulatory approval [7]. - The company is positioned similarly to Joby Aviation, which is also developing electric flying taxis, but their aircraft designs and manufacturing strategies differ [16].