United Airlines, Archer Launch Electric Air Taxi Route

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by KnowESG
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Image of electric air taxis.

Archer Aviation Inc. and United Airlines have revealed their intention to inaugurate the premier air taxi service in Chicago, connecting Vertiport Chicago, the most prominent vertical takeoff and landing hub in North America based in the Illinois Medical District, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a major aviation facility located in the Chicago Loop area.

Vertiport Chicago was chosen as the lift-off and touch-down point for this air route from the airport to the city centre due to its matchless convenience, accessibility, and service. Passengers will be able to reach O'Hare International Airport (ORD) using Archer's Midnight electric air taxi in just 10 minutes. In comparison, commuting by car during peak hours can take an hour or more.

United and Archer aim to offer the inhabitants and tourists of the Chicago Metropolitan Area a sustainable, low-noise, and affordable alternative to ground transportation by 2025 through their UAM network.

As the third most populated city in the United States, Chicago is an ideal location for Archer and United to develop due to its business, innovation, and investment hub, as well as being United's headquarters. The primary focus of the initial launch routes will be airport-to-city-centre transportation, known as "trunk" routes. Once the trunk routes are operational, the next phase will be to expand the network to surrounding communities through "branch" routes.

Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, affirmed that Archer and United are committed to decarbonising air travel and implementing innovative technologies to electrify the aviation industry. He added that customers can look forward to a sustainable, convenient, and affordable mode of transportation when travelling to and from the airport.

Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot applauded the partnership between Archer and United as an example of Chicago's technological innovation. She expressed her satisfaction that Chicagoans will be among the first in the country to experience the convenience of the new mode of travel, which aligns with the city's efforts to combat climate change.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker noted that the partnership with Archer and United is another way Illinois can transition to 100% clean energy by 2050, save residents money, and create thousands of good-paying jobs.

Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer, expressed excitement about adding Chicago to the growing list of initial launch cities and looks forward to working with state and city leaders to bring an innovative transportation solution to the city and surrounding areas.

Daniel Mojica, Executive Director of Vertiport Chicago, expressed delight in participating in the project, which he said will inspire other cities to adopt cutting-edge transportation solutions.

ComEd, the largest utility company in the Midwest, will collaborate with United and Archer to develop the necessary power infrastructure to support eVTOL aircraft operations in and around the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

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