- Electric Air Taxi
- Archer Aviation
United Airlines is making history with its plans to launch the first commercial electric air taxi route in Chicago in partnership with Archer Aviation. This groundbreaking initiative is part of the airline’s efforts to achieve its goal of going 100% green by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
The electric air taxi will be powered by Archer Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is optimized for 20-mile flights with 12-minute charging intervals. The aircraft is designed to carry four passengers, luggage, and a pilot for up to 100 miles, with a top speed of 150 mph.
The electric air taxi will fly from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Vertiport Chicago, the largest vertical takeoff and landing facility in North America. The flight time will be approximately 10 minutes, which is significantly shorter than the time it can take during rush hour on the ground.
The eVTOL aircraft is powered by six battery packs, making it an eco-friendly mode of transportation with zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is also competitively priced with ground-based ride share services, making it an affordable and sustainable option for travelers.
This innovative partnership between United Airlines and Archer Aviation is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.