Southwest partners with Archer Aviation for eVTOL routes in California

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Southwest partners with Archer Aviation for eVTOL routes in California

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By Sky Industry News

Jul 12, 2024

Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have announced a partnership to develop air taxi networks using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in California. The memorandum of understanding, disclosed on July 12, outlines plans to use Archer's Midnight aircraft for routes connecting major airports in California with surrounding communities.

Archer is collaborating with a real estate developer on potential vertiport sites, including one at Oyster Point in South San Francisco. United Airlines has already placed a down payment for the first 100 of up to 200 Midnight aircraft from Archer. Previous route announcements include Chicago and New York City.

Paul Cullen, Southwest Airlines' vice president of real estate, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas." He added that integrating electric aircraft into travel offers an innovative opportunity for enhancing customer experience.

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Southwest operates from 14 major airports across California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area locations, San Diego, Palm Springs, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, and Fresno. Nikhil Goel, Archer's chief commercial officer stated: “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.”

Archer plans to collaborate with Southwest employees and unions such as the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) to ensure efficient operations. The Midnight eVTOL aircraft is expected to enter service in 2025. It can carry four passengers over distances of 20 to 50 miles with brief charging intervals between flights.

Recently acquiring a Part 135 air carrier certificate from the FAA through its subsidiary Archer Air allows the company to operate commercial air taxi services. While United Airlines will purchase Midnight aircraft for its fleet operated by Archer, Southwest has not yet committed to buying eVTOLs but shows interest through this partnership.