United Airlines’ first air taxi route using electric aircraft will transport customers from the the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to Newark Airport.
Like a helicopter, the aircraft will do vertical takeoffs and landings. United hopes to launch the service in 2025.
Flights would take less than 10 minutes using the Midnight aircraft under development by California-based Archer Aviation. The two companies said Downtown Manhattan Heliport to Newark is the first air taxi route to be announced in the nascent industry of electric commuter aircraft.
The Midnight is being developed to fly four passengers up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph. Last year, United entered into an agreement to purchase up to 200 Archer electric commuter aircraft in partnership with regional airline Mesa. United announced a $10 million pre-payment to Archer in September.
United, American and Delta have each entered into agreements with developers in hopes of eventually offering air taxi trips to major airports as a premium service.
Most recently, Delta announced a $60 million investment in California-based Joby, geared toward launches of air taxi service in the Los Angeles and New York markets.
