Archer Aviation
In 2025, United Airlines will operate an air taxi service between downtown Chicago’s Vertyport and O’Hare International Airport using electric VTOL aircraft purchased from Archer Aviation. The Archer Midnight eVTOL aircraft completes the route in about 10 minutes. Local resident and Ars Editor-in-Chief Eric Bangeman said the drive could take him more than an hour due to road construction.
“Archer and United are committed to delivering on our promise to electrify the aviation industry by decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies,” said Michael Leskinen, president of United Aviation Ventures. Once launched, we are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective transportation option while commuting to the airport.”
United has placed an order with Archer for 200 eVTOL aircraft in 2021 at a cost of $1 billion. The startup has also received funding from automaker Stellatis, which helps the company manufacture its carbon fiber composites.
United’s headquarters are in Chicago, which no doubt helped determine the location of the first eVTOL route. But United and Archer also say that as the country’s third most populous city, he’s home to business and innovation that make deploying an eVTOL shuttle a good idea.
If Chicago does well, United plans to add other “mainstream routes” from the airport to the city, and later “branch” routes between different communities. km) and a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).
If approved by the FAA, the Chicago Air Shuttle will be the first commercial eVTOL service to begin operations in North America. Asked about the cost, an Archer spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times that the company wants the service to be competitive with Uber Black, so the trip will cost about $100. Said it would be.
