Archer, a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has announced plans to launch an air taxi service in New York City in partnership with United Airlines. The service will offer passengers a convenient and time-saving way to travel between Manhattan and the city's major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.

The air taxi service will utilize preexisting helipads at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Lower Manhattan to launch Archer's all-electric Midnight aircraft, which has space for four passengers and a pilot. Passengers will be able to book air taxi trips as an "add on" to their existing flights, with prices yet to be determined. For comparison, a one-way ride from Manhattan to JFK Airport on one of Blade's helicopters typically costs around $265 per seat.

The Midnight aircraft has a range of up to 100 miles (nearly 160km) at speeds of up to 150mph (241 km/h), on pure battery power. Using tilt rotors, Midnight is designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and then transition into forward flight like a plane. Archer has previously received Parts 135 and 145 certification for on-demand services and specialized repair, but still needs to obtain type certification for its Midnight air taxi, which means the aircraft meets all the FAA's design and safety standards.

The launch date for the NYC air taxi service has not been disclosed, but Archer has said its aircraft will make their commercial debut in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. Archer has a $1 billion order from United Airlines for its eVTOL aircraft, a $500 million deal with a Japan Airlines' joint venture, and a deal to mass-produce with automaker Stellantis. The company has also recently closed on several funding rounds, giving it about $1 billion in liquidity.

Archer is not the only company working on air taxi services. Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies have also claimed they are on the cusp of launching services that will eventually scale up nationwide. However, others have floundered, such as German company Lilium, which recently said that two of its subsidiaries were insolvent and could cease operations.

The air taxi market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with many companies investing heavily in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Archer and United's partnership fares in the competitive NYC market.

In addition to its air taxi ambitions, Archer is also moving into the defense space, with plans to develop next-gen military aircraft for Anduril Industries. The company's recent funding round included investments from Blackrock, Willington, and leading institutional developers.

With its innovative electric aircraft and partnerships with major airlines, Archer is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of air travel. As the company continues to push the boundaries of electric flight, it will be exciting to see how its air taxi service in NYC and beyond takes off.