Archer Aviation & Southwest Airlines Announce Plans to Develop Air Taxi Network in California

US eVTOL developer Archer Aviation Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilising Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports. Southwest is the Golden State’s largest air carrier, operating at 14 airports across the state.

The collaboration intends to lay the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities that Southwest serves.

Archer Midnight aircraft is designed to transform urban travel, replacing 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights.

The goal of Archer’s aircraft is to offer a safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with no direct emissions.

Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate over the next few years as eVTOLs take flight.

Combining Archer’s aircraft and planned urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could offer an enhanced experience for the first and last miles of the customer travel journey. 

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer, says: “With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster. By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”

Paul Cullen, Vice President Real Estate at Southwest Airlines, adds: “Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas. We’ve proudly served as California’s largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer’s electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”   

Stellantis is an investor in Archer Aviation Inc.