Archer has announced its plans to collaborate with United Airlines to launch an air taxi service in New York City. This service will connect Manhattan with major airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, transforming typically lengthy taxi rides into quick flights lasting just 5-15 minutes.
The partnership will make use of existing helipads located on East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and in Lower Manhattan to operate their all-electric Midnight aircraft. This aircraft is designed to accommodate four passengers along with a pilot. It will enable travelers to conveniently journey from the city to all three major airports, as well as to regional hubs such as Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Republic Airport.
Travelers will have the option to book these air taxi trips as an additional service to their current flight itineraries, although the pricing has yet to be finalized. For context, a comparable one-way flight from Manhattan to JFK via Blade’s helicopters usually costs around $265 per seat.
The exact launch date for the NYC air taxi service has not been disclosed. However, Archer has indicated that its aircraft is set to make a commercial debut in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics.
Prior to launching, Archer must obtain type certification for its Midnight air taxi, confirming that the aircraft complies with all FAA design and safety regulations. The company has already secured Parts 135 and 145 certification for on-demand services and specialized repair work.
Midnight boasts a top range of 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers) at speeds reaching up to 150 mph (241 km/h) using purely battery power. With tilt rotors, Midnight can vertically take off and land like a helicopter and seamlessly transition to forward flight like an airplane.
Archer is also expanding into the defense sector, with plans to develop next-generation military aircraft for Anduril Industries. This endeavor is supported by a funding round that includes investments from Blackrock, Wellington, and other leading institutional developers.
Air taxis, often mistakenly referred to as “flying cars” in mainstream media, are effectively helicopters without the noisy, polluting gas engines, albeit with their own unique sound profiles. In addition to Archer, companies such as Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies claim they are on the verge of launching similar services with the potential for nationwide expansion. However, not all endeavors in this domain have succeeded; for instance, German company Lilium recently reported financial insolvency in two of its subsidiaries, potentially leading to their closure.
