United Airlines will launch flying taxi service in Chicago within 2 years

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By Fox Business

March 25, 2023 | 9:14 PM

In 2025, a flying taxi service will come to Chicago, courtesy of United Airlines and Archer Aviation.

The two companies announced plans on Thursday to launch the city’s first air taxi route, using Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transport residents between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and downtown Chicago’s Vertiport.

Passengers can travel from downtown to the airport on Archer’s Midnight planes in about 10 minutes, dodging traffic during rush hour.

“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonising air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of electrification of the aviation industry,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures.

“Once operational, we are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commute to the airport.”

The announcement comes after United Airlines agreed last year to purchase up to 200 flying taxis from Archer in a $1 billion deal.

The airline wants to transport travelers to the airport quickly, safely and ideally with a minimal impact on the environment.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft will be able to carry up to four United customers at a time, carrying them up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.

Chicago was chosen as the starting point for United’s new taxi service because the city is a center for business, innovation and investment, as well as being home to United’s headquarters, according to a press release.

“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonising air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of electrification of the aviation industry,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures.

“Once operational, we are excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commute to the airport.”

The plan is to focus launch routes on transporting passengers back and forth between the airport and the city center, referred to as “trunk” routes.

Once these routes are established, United plans to build out “branch routes” to surrounding communities in the greater Chicago area.

“Technological innovation thrives here in Chicago, and this venture between Archer and United is yet another example of this strength,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

“This exciting new technology will further decarbonise our means of transportation, bringing us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I am thrilled that Chicagoans will be among the first in the country to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hailed the plan as a “bold move” toward a state transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

“I can’t think of a better team than Archer and United to work with as we ensure our existing aviation infrastructure can support this new and exciting form of transportation,” said the governor.

But how much will the trip cost?

An Archer spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times they hope to make pricing competitive with Uber Black, at an estimated rate of about $100 for the trip from Vertiport to O’Hare.