Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilising Archer's eVTOL aircraft 'Midnight' at California airports where Southwest operates.
Southwest and Archer intend to collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities that Southwest serves.
""Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas,” said Paul Cullen, vice president real estate at Southwest Airlines.
""By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours,"" said Archer chief commercial officer Nikhil Goel.
The collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations.
Southwest Airlines partners with Archer Aviation to develop air taxi network plans
