Air taxi service plans eVTOL rides from all three NYC airports

Archer Aviation, in collaboration with United Airlines, is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking air taxi service that could revolutionize transportation in New York City. This new mode of transportation aims to provide a practical, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to navigating the city’s congested streets.

The concept behind the air taxi service involves utilizing existing helipads at key locations in Manhattan, such as East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and lower Manhattan, to launch Archer’s all-electric Midnight aircraft. This innovative aircraft has the capacity to accommodate four passengers along with a pilot. Passengers will have the opportunity to travel to major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, as well as regional airports such as Westchester County, Teterboro, and Republic. The seamless integration of these air taxi trips as an add-on to existing flights aims to provide a convenient travel experience for passengers.

While the pricing details are yet to be disclosed, a comparable one-way helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK typically costs around $265 per seat. The commercial debut of Archer’s aircraft is scheduled for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, indicating a potential timeline for the service to be operational in New York City.

The Midnight aircraft boasts impressive features, including its all-electric design, a range of up to 100 miles, and speeds of up to 150 mph. With 12 engines and propellers ensuring safety and redundancy, the aircraft aims to meet commercial airliner standards while offering a quieter and greener alternative to traditional helicopters.

Archer’s vision for the air taxi service involves collaborating with key partners in the aviation industry to develop and electrify vertiports at airports and helipads across the region. By working closely with entities such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Archer aims to seamlessly integrate the service into the city’s existing transportation network.

Before the air taxi service can take off, the Midnight aircraft must obtain type certification from the FAA to ensure compliance with design and safety standards. Archer has previously received Parts 135 and 145 certification for on-demand services and specialized repair, paving the way for the certification of the aircraft.

While Archer faces competition from other companies in the air taxi space, such as Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies, its strategic partnerships with United Airlines and Japan Airlines joint venture, as well as major orders, position it as a key player in the industry.

Overall, Archer and United’s air taxi service has the potential to transform the way people travel in New York City, offering a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation. As the city prepares for this game-changing transportation option, the prospect of soaring above the city’s traffic congestion in a cutting-edge aircraft is both exciting and revolutionary.