Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines

Archer Aviation on Thursday unveiled plans for a proposed air-taxi network in New York City, in partnership with United Airlines, as it seeks to tap into the airport commute market in Manhattan. Shares of the air-taxi maker were up 7% in morning trading. Archer plans to link Manhattan with nearby airports using its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight — a four-passenger vehicle — designed to slash travel time from one-to-two hour drives to just 5-15 minutes. Air-taxi startups are racing to commercialize eVTOL aircraft, betting on growing demand for faster, more sustainable urban transportation. Backed by major airlines and defense contractors, these startups aim to ease congestion in crowded cities by offering short-haul flights between airports and urban centers. Archer, backed by companies such as Stellantis and United Airlines, aims to leverage existing aviation infrastructure in the NYC region, with plans to establish vertiports at airports and helipads throughout the area. "With its existing helicopter infrastructure, regulatory support and strong demand, New York could be one of the first markets for air taxis in the United States," Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said.<br/>