Archer and Southwest to set up eVTOL network in California

Archer Aviation and Southwest Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish an electric air taxi network. The network will initially comprise 14 California airports where Southwest operates.

The partnership’s goal is to lay “the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks,” which sounds like the 14 airports mentioned above are just the beginning. Southwest employees and “respective unions” are also partners to ensure efficient operation in the future. “This is a key step toward potentially offering Southwest customers an airport transport service that saves time by streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey,” says Archer.

“Archer’s collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state’s dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California’s climate action goals.”

Archer has been working on an eVTOL ecosystem. It recently signed an agreement with Signature to establish launch pads for eVTOLs at major US airports, after receiving approval for commercial flights in early June. About one month later, Stellantis announced that it would invest a further $55 million in the Californian electric flying taxi developer.

In the USA, Archer is also joining forces with aviation service provider Atlantic Aviation and two other developers of electric air taxis to set up charging stations for them at airports. The initial focus is on building charging infrastructure in New York and Los Angeles. San Francisco and Miami are also part of the focus with Archer. The partnership with Beta Technologies is targeting the East and Gulf Coasts. While Archer and Beta are working together on the CCS standard, Joby has developed its own standard with the Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS).

Archer first presented its eVTOL Midnight in late 2022. Shortly after, it selected a site in Georgia to install its first factory in Covington, near an airfield.

archer.com