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On Friday, Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation announced plans to develop an electric air taxi service at California airports. In a press release, the two companies stated they signed a memorandum of understanding to establish integrated electric air taxi networks supporting California airports and surrounding communities.
Archer’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi aims to revolutionize urban air travel by reducing 60- to 90-minute car commutes to estimated 10- to 20-minute electric air taxi flights. The aircraft can accommodate a pilot plus four passengers on consecutive flights, with only 10 to 12 minutes of charge time in between.
As California’s largest air carrier, operating at 14 airports across the state, Southwest expressed eagerness to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could offer customers in busy urban areas.
