United Airlines, Archer Aviation announce flying taxi service in Chicago
A flying taxi service is coming to Chicago in 2025, courtesy of United Airlines and Archer Aviation.
On Thursday, the two companies announced plans to launch the first air taxi route in the city, using Archer's electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL aircraft to transport residents between O'Hare International Airport ORD and downtown Vertiport Chicago.
Passengers will be able to travel from downtown to the airport on Archer's Midnight aircraft in approximately 10 minutes, dodging traffic at rush hour.
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said that Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry. When operational, we are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport. The announcement came after United Airlines agreed to purchase 200 of Archer's flying taxies in a $1 billion deal last year. The airline aims to bring travelers to the airport quickly, safely, and with minimal environmental impact.
Archer's Midnight aircraft will be able to carry up to four United customers at a time, transporting them as far as 100 miles at speeds as fast as 150 miles per hour.
The city was chosen as the starting point for United's new taxi service because it is a center for business, innovation and investment, as well as the home of United's headquarters, according to a news release.
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry. We are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport. The plan is to launch routes that carry passengers back and forth between the airport and city center transportation service. Once these routes are established, United intends to build out branch routes to surrounding communities in the greater Chicago area.
The venture between Archer and United is another example of this strength, said Lori E. Lightfoot, Chicago Mayor. This exciting new technology will take us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I'm pleased that Chicago residents will be among the first to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel. The plan is a bold step toward transitioning the state to 100% clean energy by the year 2050, according to J.B. Pritzker.
The governor said that he can't think of a better team than Archer and United to partner with as we work to ensure our existing aviation infrastructure can support this new and exciting form of transportation.
An Archer spokesman told the Chicago Sun-Times they hope to make prices competitive with Uber Black, at an estimated fare of about $100 for the trip from Vertiport to O'Hare.