United Airlines and Archer Launch New York City Air Taxi

SAN JOSE- Archer Aviation, in partnership with United Airlines (UA), plans to launch an electric air taxi network in New York City (NYC), connecting Manhattan to major airports like John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR) in 5-15 minutes.

The proposed system would leverage existing vertiports and helipads, offering a quieter, emissions-free alternative to helicopters. Archer is advancing FAA certification for Midnight, targeting commercial operations by 2025.

Photo: Archer

United Archer Air Taxi

Archer Aviation has unveiled a visionary plan to reshape airport commutes in New York City through a strategic partnership with United Airlines (UA).

The proposed air taxi network will leverage Archer’s Midnight aircraft, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed to carry four passengers and a pilot.

Air taxi connects Manhattan with major airports, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR), as well as regional hubs like Westchester County (HPN), Teterboro (TEB), and Republic (FRG).

By replacing 1-2 hour drives with 5-15 minute flights, the network promises to bypass NYC’s notorious traffic, offering a faster, quieter, and more sustainable travel option.

Unlike traditional helicopters, Midnight is quieter, cleaner, and built with commercial airline-level safety redundancy, including 12 electric motors and propellers.

The network will integrate with existing aviation infrastructure, including heliports at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Downtown Manhattan (JRB), as well as vertiports at the targeted airports.

Archer is collaborating with several aviation infrastructure partners, Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/Groupe ADP, Modern Aviation, and Air Pegasus to electrify and repurpose aviation assets for eVTOL operations.

These efforts align with the company’s aim to build a scalable and sustainable urban air mobility ecosystem.

Photo: Archer

Midnight Aircraft Design

The Midnight aircraft stands at the core of Archer’s vision. Built for short-distance, high-frequency routes, it can fly passengers over congested areas in minutes.

Key features include:

• Capacity: 4 passengers + pilot.
• Performance: 100-mile range, speeds up to 150 mph.
• Safety: 12 redundant engines/propellers, meeting commercial airline safety standards.
• All-Electric Propulsion: Lower emissions and operational costs.
• Noise Reduction: 40–50 dB quieter than helicopters, critical for NYC’s noise-sensitive areas.

United Airlines, an early investor, has pre-ordered a Midnight fleet to integrate with its airport hubs.

Photo: Archer

Regulatory Progress

In June 2024, Archer received its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate. The company is now pursuing Type Certification for Midnight aircraft, a crucial step for commercial deployment.

Once certified, Archer and United Airlines aim to integrate eVTOL services into passenger itineraries, reducing door-to-door transit times for travelers.

Archer’s operational model views these flights as an extension of traditional airline services. By offering seamless connectivity between city centers and airports, passengers will experience a fully integrated and time-efficient travel journey.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Bottom Line

United Airlines (UA), a key investor in Archer, has pre-ordered a fleet of Midnight aircraft and is supporting the development of airspace management, real estate, and safety protocols essential for advanced air mobility.

Government entities like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) have expressed support for exploring eVTOL integration. NYCEDC emphasized the initiative’s role in promoting cleaner skies, decongesting roads, and enhancing urban mobility.

New York joins other regions such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, where Archer is also advancing air taxi networks.

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