United Airlines and Archer Aviation have announced the launch of the first air taxi route in Chicago to start 2025, an important step forward in their urban air mobility (UAM) network.
passengers will be able to travel to and from ORD via Archer’s Midnight aircraft in approximately 10 minutes
Archer / United
The selected point-to-point route will utilize Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which will provide residents and visitors in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation.
Infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft operations
The partnership with ComEd, the Midwest’s largest utility company, will establish the necessary power infrastructure to support eVTOL aircraft operations in and around the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
Chicago’s transportation leadership
Chicago has a long-standing reputation as a major transportation center and leader in mobility innovation. With ORD being United’s largest operations hub, it provides an ideal location for United and Archer to ramp up their UAM operations.
Archer’s mission to unlock the skies and United’s purpose to connect people
Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. The company is based in Santa Clara, California. United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” The company is headquartered in Chicago.
Expanding UAM infrastructure across the United States
The electric air taxi route in Chicago is a key milestone in the race to develop UAM infrastructure in the US, and this is just the beginning. The long-term goal is to expand to other cities across the United States, providing a convenient, sustainable, and cost-effective mode of transportation during commutes to the airport.
