This Electric Air Taxi Supported by Stellantis Aims to Overcome NYC Traffic Congestion | Carscoops

      Instead of taking hours, a journey to LaGuardia or JFK could be completed in just minutes.

      8 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Archer and United have announced their plans for an air taxi network in New York City, aimed at transporting individuals from a downtown skyport to airports in a matter of minutes. This innovation could save travelers significant time, particularly during peak hours.

      Backed by Stellantis, Archer has partnered with United Airlines to present their concept of an air taxi network for New York City. Their service will utilize Archer’s Midnight, an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that can carry four passengers and has a range of 100 miles (161 km).

      The network is intended to expedite trips to local airports – including LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK – making them much faster and less stressful. Passengers would head to a centrally located “downtown skyport” or helipad and then enjoy a brief 5-15 minute flight to the airport for their departure.

      In contrast, traveling by car can take one to two hours. Anyone who has faced that journey during rush hour and nearly missed a flight will understand the benefits of this air taxi network.

      Beyond its speed and convenience, the Midnight boasts multiple redundant systems designed to ensure safety comparable to that of commercial airliners. This includes a total of 12 motors and propellers.

      While there is no specific timeline for when this service may become operational, Archer has stated they are collaborating with the FAA to obtain Type Certification for the aircraft. Once achieved, the company and its partners plan to “safely and seamlessly integrate Midnight into service, starting with major airports in the New York City area.”

      Archer CEO Adam Goldstein remarked, “The New York region is home to three of the world’s leading airports, accommodating over 150 million passengers each year. However, the drive from Manhattan to any of these airports can be excruciating, often taking one or two hours. Our goal is to change that, providing residents and visitors the option to complete their trips in just minutes.”