United Airlines has partnered with eVTOL manufacturer and operator Archer. Archer recently announced that its first eVTOL route using its iconic Midnight eVTOL air taxi will connect Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with the Downtown Manhattan Heliport located on Pier 6. The service will provide United customers with a fast and convenient connection to EWR. This will be the first route in a network of routes the partnership plans to launch at airports around the country.

First route

This route is the first official eVTOL route announced in the industry. The partnership chose this route to be its first as it offers a fast connection between one of the largest business centers in the world and one of United's largest hubs. The route will take an estimated 10 minutes via the sustainable electric aircraft. The same trip can take over an hour in a car during rush hour traffic. Archer has stated that it plans to keep ticket costs low. It believes the low operation costs of the aircraft will allow it to charge rates competitive with rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.

Archer plans to begin operations in 2025. United and Archer plan to launch similar routes in later years, connecting other parts of New York along with parts of New Jersey with Newark. These routes will form an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) network across the New York Metropolitan area. The companies believe that EWR is the best location available for the operation's commencement. Archer has also announced plans to build UAM networks in Los Angeles and Miami, although no specific routes have been listed concerning those locations.

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Local enthusiasm

The Founder and CEO of Archer, Adam Goldstein, has shared the company's excitement for the new route service. It believes the New York operation will be a huge success. Goldstein stated,

"We're excited to be confirming New York as the first of many routes we'll be announcing alongside United as we work to build out our national UAM network. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with United and to working closely with state and local government leaders in the New York and New Jersey area as we bring this exciting new form of transportation to life."

The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, expressed the city's excitement for the new operation the partnership will bring to the city. Adams stated,

"We are thrilled that Archer and United Airlines have selected to launch their first route right here in our New York City. We want New York to be a place of bold innovation and outside the box thinking, and I encourage other companies to follow their lead."

Sustainable partnership

The eVTOL program is a step towards the industry-wide goal of reaching carbon neutrality. This partnership will help United reduce its carbon footprint and set an example for other companies to do the same. The President of United Airlines Ventures, Michael Leskinen, said,

"Once operational, electric air taxis will fundamentally change how United customers experience comfort, convenience, and efficiency during their commutes to the airport. Archer's New York to Newark route marks another important benchmark towards providing a carbon-neutral and safe commute that drastically reduces the travel time and produces a fraction of the sound emitted by helicopters."

What do you think of this new partnership? Do you plan to utilize the eVTOL network once available? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Future Flight

• 

  United Airlines

  Region:

  North America

  Loyalty Program:

  MileagePlus

• 

  Newark Liberty International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  EWR/KEWR

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  James Gill

  Passenger Count :

  15,892,892 (2020)

  Runways :

  4L/22R - 3,353m (11,000 ft) | 4R/22L - 3,048m (10,000 ft) | 11/29 - 2,050m (6,726 ft)

  Terminals:

  Terminal A | Terminal B | Terminal C