Air Taxi Venture Aims to Shorten Travel Time to New York Airports

NEW YORK: Archer, an aviation startup, introduced an air taxi initiative with United Airlines on Thursday, with the goal of enabling travelers in New York City to reach airports in the area in 15 minutes or less.

To highlight the announcement, Archer showcased a prototype of its Midnight aircraft in New York.

The timeline for when New Yorkers can utilize this service hinges on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of the electric vehicle.

Archer Chief Executive Adam Goldstein commented on New York’s heavy traffic, stating, “I don’t believe anyone is eager to spend 90 minutes in a car to travel 15 miles.”

He likened the aircraft to “almost like a time machine,” facilitating journeys “from Manhattan to the airports in five to ten minutes, compared to the typical 90-minute drive.”

Nevertheless, Archer still has significant obstacles to overcome to make this concept a reality.

Alongside the FAA certification process, the company is also seeking approvals in the United Arab Emirates, where they intend to launch commercially in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Midnight is equipped with a dozen engines and propellers and can accommodate a pilot, up to four passengers, and their luggage.

Goldstein anticipates that the rides will eventually become more budget-friendly, contrasting with the occasional helicopter travel of today.

He envisions a phased rollout, beginning with a limited number of aircraft in service in 2025 and 2026, with expansion later in the decade. The company recently established a manufacturing plant in Georgia.

Goldstein suggested that helicopters could become a widely used mode of transportation if they were “much more affordable and had very high safety standards.”

Earlier in the month, a sightseeing helicopter in New York suffered a malfunction and crashed into the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and five family members on board.

Goldstein is optimistic that advancements in artificial intelligence and other advanced software can facilitate the growth of urban air taxi transport without compromising safety.