Southwest Airlines has recently teamed up with Archer Aviation, an urban air mobility startup, to collaborate on developing an air taxi service. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, as major carriers are increasingly investing in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) startups to revolutionize intercity air travel.
The Technology Behind the Service
Archer Aviation’s air taxi service will utilize their battery-powered, four-passenger, tilt-rotor Midnight aircraft. These innovative aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter, offering a faster and more efficient mode of transportation. According to Archer, trips that typically require 60-90 minutes by car can be completed in just 10-20 minutes using their air taxis.
Archer Aviation emerged from stealth mode in 2020 and has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. The company has secured a $1 billion order from United Airlines for its eVTOL aircraft and has partnered with global automaker Stellantis for mass production. Additionally, Archer recently obtained a Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, a crucial step towards launching their on-demand air taxi service.
Although Archer and other eVTOL companies are making significant strides in the development of their air taxi services, they still face challenges in obtaining full FAA approval. The certification process for eVTOL aircraft has been slow-moving, and the recent reclassification of eVTOL as a “power lift” aircraft has created uncertainty around commercialization. It may take a few more years before the FAA grants full certification to an eVTOL company.
As part of the partnership, Archer will collaborate with Southwest Airlines and its partners to establish an air taxi network across California. This initiative will involve working with Southwest employee unions, such as the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, to ensure a successful and seamless integration of air taxi services into the existing transportation framework.
The collaboration between Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation represents a significant step forward in the advancement of urban air mobility. With the promise of faster and more efficient intercity travel, the partnership has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about air transportation. As eVTOL technology continues to evolve and gain traction, we can expect to see more major airlines partnering with innovative startups to shape the future of air travel.
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