Archer Aviation Plans To Ease Airport Travel For New Yorkers With Electric Air Taxis

In New York City, you can get a dollar slice at 2 a.m. or a burger in 30 minutes, yet still spend two hours getting to the airport.

Archer Aviation plans to change that by introducing air taxis designed to fly passengers from Manhattan to nearby airports in just 15 minutes.

On Thursday, the startup revealed its proposed air taxi network for New York City, developed in collaboration with United Airlines. The plan would let passengers add an Archer air taxi ride to their regular airline tickets.

“We’re launching with nine main hubs,” said Archer CEO Adam Goldstein during an interview at Casa Cipriani in Manhattan, as helicopters landed at Downtown Skyport.

Goldstein went on to explain, “You’ve got the three major international airports — JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Then there are the three main heliports, including the Downtown Skyport, plus the east and west side heliports. And finally, the three key regional airports — Teterboro, Westchester, and Long Island Republic.”

“Archer Awaits FAA Approval for eVTOL as It Plans Air Taxi Network“

Archer plans an air taxi network for cities like Los Angeles but is awaiting FAA approval for its eVTOL aircraft, Midnight, before testing routes.

Archer still needs to conduct a crewed test flight, as all flights so far have been autonomous. Rivals like Joby Aviation and Beta Technologies have already completed piloted flights.

Goldstein is hopeful for certification by 2026 and will update on piloted flights in the next earnings call. Archer, public since 2021 via SPAC, has raised $3.36 billion, according to PitchBook.

For now, Archer is laying the foundation by establishing infrastructure and operations, relying heavily on partnerships.

“United Airlines and Helipad Operators Partner with Archer for NYC eVTOL Infrastructure”

In NYC, United Airlines will assist with aircraft storage, maintenance, charging systems, and vertiport development. Archer has also partnered with Manhattan’s helipad operators—Atlantic Aviation, Signature, and Modern Aviation—to enable passenger access and help build the charging network.

Nikhil Goel, Archer’s chief commercial officer, said, “New York is the top helicopter commuting city, second only to São Paulo.” “It’s not hard to imagine replacing the helicopters flying along the Hudson with our aircraft. The routes are already established, air traffic manages them, and the FBOs and landing facilities are set up. No major system changes are needed”.

Archer plans an air taxi network in cities like Los Angeles, pending FAA approval for its eVTOL, Midnight, before testing routes.

Archer plans to expand to San Francisco and Miami, alongside New York City and Los Angeles, though the timeline depends on FAA certification, and the first U.S. launch city is still undecided.

Archer also intends to roll out an air taxi service in Abu Dhabi later this year, where regulations are more lenient. Goldstein mentioned that the proposed network in NYC provides people with a clear and relatable vision.

“We’re hoping that people see [Abu Dhabi] and think, ‘Wow, it’s happening. How will it work in New York?’”

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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