United and Archer firms aim to alleviate urban congestion and open rural areas to emergency deliveries with electric air taxis. They also promise to reduce carbon emissions and offer a quieter, more accessible form of short-distance air travel.
Opening sky routes with electric air taxis
This new development, which could completely change your travel experiences in the near future, is exciting. Electric air taxis are poised to enter our lives very soon. United Airlines and Archer Aviation have a joint project planned for launch in 2025.
This intriguing experience is initially planned to take place between Newark Liberty International Airport and Manhattan. Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) will be used for this journey. This route will be the first clear route established using electric aircraft in the world.
The journey from Newark to Manhattan is estimated to take only 10 minutes. While this journey by car can exceed an hour depending on traffic, the four-passenger fully electric Midnight model aircraft by Archer drastically reduces this time.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located just above Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, is planned to be the hub for these flights. While helicopter companies have previously provided such air transfers between Manhattan and JFK Airport, electric aircraft offer a quieter and more sustainable alternative.
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, notes that this technology will fundamentally change passengers’ airport transportation experience. Electric aircraft produce much less noise compared to helicopters, minimizing their environmental impact.
While ticket prices for electric air taxi flights have not yet been announced, one can look at the one-way flight prices to JFK offered by Blade helicopter service as an example, starting from $195. United and Archer plan to initiate similar city-center airport routes nationwide.
The recent launch in New York aims to take significant steps in establishing a national and urban air network. This innovation offers significant benefits in terms of both time savings and environmental impact. Electric aircraft are introducing a new dimension to transportation.
It is wondered how this technology will transform passenger transportation by mid-2025. Are you ready for this new air travel experience? You can share your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
{{user}} {{datetime}}
{{text}}