In a major step towards achieving its ambitious goal of being 100% green by 2050, United Airlines is set to launch the first electric air taxi route in Chicago. The company has partnered with Archer Aviation, which has developed an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The air taxi service will be flown from O’Hare International Airport to Vertiport Chicago, which is the largest vertical takeoff and landing facility in North America.
Passengers will be able to travel from point to point in just 10 minutes, as opposed to the one-hour-plus it can take during rush hour. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is designed to fly four passengers, luggage, and a pilot for up to 100 miles and can charge for 12 minutes between 20-mile flights, which is the perfect amount of time to load passengers and cargo. The eVTOL is powered by six battery packs and engineered for up to 150 mph speeds and operates at “pricing that is competitive with ground-based ride share.”
See also: Stellantis and Archer join forces to manufacture Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft
Michael Leskinen, United’s Vice President of Corporate Development, expressed his confidence in the “short-term regional air travel market to play a key role in the evolution of electric aircraft.” He also stated that both United and Archer are committed to decarbonizing air travel and that once operational, customers will have access to a more sustainable, convenient, and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport.
United has made significant investments in zero-emission technology and partnerships, including an investment in electric aircraft startup Heart Aerospace in July 2021. Heart Aerospace is developing a fully electric 19-seat aircraft capable of flying customers up to 250 miles before the end of the decade. However, United believes it can fast-track the introduction as early as 2026.
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The airline company has also announced its collaboration with ComEd to establish the necessary charging infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft in and around Chicago. The company aims to achieve its 100% green goal by completely erasing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, United’s move towards electric air taxis is a significant step towards a greener future. The company’s commitment to zero-emission technology and partnerships is commendable and will undoubtedly lead to a more sustainable future.United Airlines to Launch First Electric Air Taxi Route in Chicago in Collaboration with Archer Aviation
