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

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By Fox Business

March 25, 2023 | 21:14

A flying taxi service is coming to Chicago in 2025, thanks to United Airlines and Archer Aviation.

The two companies announced plans Thursday to launch the first air taxi route in the city, using Archer̵[ads1]7;s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transport residents between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago downtown.

Passengers will be able to travel from the city center to the airport on Archer’s Midnight flights in approximately 10 minutes, avoiding rush hour traffic.

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

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

The announcement comes after United Airlines agreed to buy up to 200 of Archer’s flying taxis last year in a $1 billion deal.

The airline aims to transport travelers to the airport quickly, safely and ideally with minimal environmental impact.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft will be able to carry up to four United customers at a time, transporting them as far as 100 miles at speeds as fast as 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 the home of United’s headquarters, according to a press release.

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

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

The plan is for launch routes to focus on transporting passengers back and forth between the airport and the downtown shuttle service, referred to as “trunk” routes.

Once these routes are established, United intends to develop “branch” routes to surrounding communities in the greater Chicago area.

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

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

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker praised the plan as a “bold step” toward transitioning the state to 100% clean energy by 2050.

“I can think of no better team than Archer and United to partner with as we work to ensure our existing aviation infrastructure can support this new and exciting form of transportation,” the governor said.

But how much will the trip cost?

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