Archer Aviation and United Airlines to open air taxi route to Chicago
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
today, Archer Aviation United Airlines has announced plans to open Chicago’s first air taxi route. The route will be located between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago, the largest vertical aircraft take-off and landing facility in the United States. This location was chosen as a result of the convenience, access, and service offered. Passengers can be in and out of his ORD in about 10 minutes by car, using Archer’s Midnight Aircraft, a trip that would take him over an hour.
Both companies’ UAM networks will provide Chicago residents and visitors with a safe, renewable, quiet and cost-competitive alternative to surface transportation after 2025. Chicago builds unitedly with Archer as her third most populous city in the country. Initial launch routes will focus on transport services from the airport to the city center, known as the ‘trunk’ route. Once the main route is established, ‘branch’ routes are built to connect to the surrounding communities.
“Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on our promise to electrify the aviation industry,” said Michael Leskinen, president of United Aviation Ventures. Once is launched, we are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective transportation option during their commute to the airport.”
Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot said: “This exciting new technology will further decarbonize our transportation and take our fight against climate change a step further. I am delighted to
“Here in Illinois, we are taking bold steps to lead the clean revolution, paving the way for a more sustainable future for our state, nation, and the world,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. I was. “We cannot think of a better team to partner with than Archer and United as we work to ensure that our existing aviation infrastructure can support this new and exciting mode of transport. It’s just another way to achieve our goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy, saving Illinoisans money and creating thousands of high-paying jobs in the process.”
Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said: “We look forward to working with state and city leaders to bring innovative transportation solutions to the city of Chicago and its surrounding communities.”
“Vertiport Chicago is pleased to join United Airlines and Archer in revolutionizing urban travel in Chicago,” said Vertiport Chicago Vertiport Chicago Daniel Mojica. “This partnership will inspire other cities to plan cutting-edge transport solutions.”
Utility company ComEd is working with United and Archer to develop the power infrastructure needed to enable eVTOL flights in and around the Chicago metropolitan area.
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing of new technologies.
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