United eyes 200 electric air taxis
United Airlines said Wednesday that it will buy up to 200 small electric air taxis to help customers in urban areas get to the airport.
The airline said it will help electric aircraft startup Archer develop an aircraft capable of helicopter-style vertical takeoffs and landings. Archer hopes to deliver its first aircraft in 2024, if it wins certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.
United said that once the aircraft are flying, it and partner Mesa Airlines will acquire up to 200 that would be operated by another company. According to an Archer presentation to investors, the orders are worth $1 billion, with an option for $500 million more.
Archer’s aircraft are designed to fly under battery power for up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph.
The company plans to launch service in congested areas close to airports. United estimated the air taxis could shuttle people from Hollywood to Los Angeles International Airport at about half the carbon emissions per passenger.
United portrayed the move as part of a broader plan to invest in technology behind cleaner modes of air travel. In December, the airline pledged to offset all its carbon emissions by 2050.