Archer Aviation and United Airlines are all set to start their first eVTOL airport-to-city route between United’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and New York City. The eVTOL will take off and land at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located just above Battery Park on Pier 6. This route is the first specific route that has been announced in the eVTOL industry.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO, said: “We are excited to be confirming New York as the first of many routes we will be announcing alongside United as we work to build out our national UAM network. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with United and to working closely with state and local government leaders in the New York and New Jersey area as we bring this exciting new form of transportation to life.”
Archer estimates the journey from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to EWR will take less than 10 minutes via its all-electric Midnight aircraft. As per Archer, the aircraft is a "low-noise, sustainable and safe alternative to helicopters".
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said: “Once operational, electric air taxis will fundamentally change how United customers experience comfort, convenience, and efficiency during their commutes to the airport. Archer’s New York to Newark route marks another important benchmark towards providing a carbon-neutral and safe commute that drastically reduces the travel time and produces a fraction of the sound emitted by helicopters.”
The goal of Archer’s electric air taxi network is to provide passengers with safe, quick, quiet, and cost-effective transportation to and from EWR.
Archer’s early launch routes will provide airport to city center transportation service, which it refers to as ‘trunk’ routes. Once these primary trunk routes have been established, Archer will begin building out ‘branch’ routes to connect to surrounding communities. The first phase of this UAM network is targeted for launch in 2025.