Archer has revealed plans to launch an air taxi network in New York City in partnership with United Airlines, aiming to revolutionise travel for residents and visitors by drastically reducing journey times to and from the region's airports.
Using its electric aircraft, Midnight, Archer intends to offer flights from Manhattan to nearby airports in just 5–15 minutes—far quicker than conventional ground transport and a way to bypass the city's notoriously heavy traffic. Midnight is a piloted electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers with reduced noise and emissions compared to helicopters. With 12 engines and propellers, the aircraft features multiple redundancies designed to meet safety standards comparable to commercial airliners. Production is currently underway at facilities in San Jose, California and Covington, Georgia.
The company plans to utilise existing aviation properties, including airport-associated vertiports and helipads, to support the proposed network. Archer is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure type certification for Midnight, having already obtained its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate in June 2024. Once certified, the aircraft will be integrated into services starting with key New York airports.
This initiative complements United Airlines' prior order of Midnight aircraft and their continued investment in Archer. The air taxi service will serve as an add-on to traditional air travel, helping passengers cut door-to-door journey times.
Archer is collaborating with infrastructure partners including Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/Groupe ADP, Modern Aviation and Air Pegasus to develop and electrify vertiport sites. The New York City launch follows previous network announcements in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
