Today, Southwest Airlines became the latest major carrier to join forces with an urban air mobility startup. The Dallas-based carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with Archer Aviation to work out plans for an air taxi service.
The service will be provided by Archer's battery-powered, four-passenger tiltrotor Midnight aircraft, which is designed to take off and land vertically from a runway like a helicopter. As part of the agreement, the aircraft will have access to 14 California airports served by Southwest.
This is the latest deal between a major airline and an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) startup, signaling growing confidence in the ability of these smaller companies to make their intercity air travel dreams a reality. Archer claims that trips that normally take 60 to 90 minutes by car can be completed in 10 to 20 minutes on the company’s air taxis.
As part of the deal, the aircraft will have access to 14 California airports where Southwest operates.
Along with Archer, other electric vertical takeoff and landing companies hope to eventually gain full FAA approval, but that process is moving slowly. It may be a few more years before the FAA grants full certification to an eVTOL company, which it has not yet done. There have been changes to the certification process. created uncertainty on commercialization after the FAA recategorized the eVTOL as an “electric lift” aircraft rather than an airplane.
As part of the agreement, Archer will work with Southwest and its partners to develop an air taxi network throughout California. This includes Southwest employee unions, such as the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.
“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience that Archer Air Taxis could bring to customers flying Southwest at busy urban area airports,” said Paul Cullen, vice president of real estate for Southwest Airlines.