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March 25, 2023 | 9:14 p.m
A flying taxi service is coming to Chicago by 2025, courtesy of United Airlines and Archer Aviation.
The two companies on Thursday announced plans to launch the city’s first air taxi route, using Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to shuttle residents between O’Hare International Airport (ORD ) and downtown Vertiport Chicago.
Passengers can travel from downtown to the airport at Archer’s Midnight aircraft in about 10 minutes, avoiding rush hour traffic.
“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to realize the promise of the 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 form of transportation for their airport commute.”
The announcement comes after United Airlines agreed to buy up to 200 of Archer’s flying taxies last year in a $1 billion deal.
The airline aims to get travelers to the airport quickly, safely, and ideally with minimal impact on the environment.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft can carry up to four United customers at a time, taking them up to 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 statement.
“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to realize the promise of the 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 form of transportation for their airport commute.”
The plan is for the launch routes to focus on transporting passengers back and forth between the airport and city center transport 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 is thriving here in Chicago, and the venture between Archer and United is another example of this strength,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.
“This exciting new technology will further decarbonise our means of transport, taking us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I am pleased that Chicago residents will be among the first in the country to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel.
Praised by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker touts the plan as a “bold step” toward moving the state to 100% clean energy by 2050.
“I can’t think of a better team than Archer and United to partner with as we work to ensure our existing aviation infrastructure can support this new and exciting mode of transportation,” the governor said.
But how much is the trip?
An Archer spokeswoman told the Chicago Sun-Times they hope to make prices competitive with Uber Black, with fares estimated at around $100 for a trip from Vertiport to O’Hare.
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