Could an air taxi network be landing in New York City?

Stellantis-backed Archer Aviation has revealed plans for a proposed air taxi network for people travelling across New York City.

The plans, made in collaboration with United Airlines, aim to revolutionize how both residents and visitors navigate the city and surrounding area.

Archer’s objective is to provide a swift 5-15 minute journey from Manhattan to nearby airports using its electric air taxi, Midnight.

If successful, this would significantly cut travel times compared to traditional transportation and bypassing New York’s notorious traffic problems.

New York City officials and Archer hope to set up 'vertiports'  at airports and helipads across the proposed area.

What is the electric air taxi Midnight?

Midnight is a piloted electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers, producing far less noise and emissions than a conventional helicopter.

It has been built in partnership with car manufacturer Stellantis, which owns Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Jeep and Alfa Romeo. 

The air taxi has 12 engines and propellers - Archer is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure Type Certification.

Once approved, Archer and its operating partners intend to begin safely integrating the air taxi into service, starting with major airports in the New York City area.

Passengers will then be able to book Archer flights alongside traditional airline travel with United Airlines.

In addition to New York City, Archer has already announced air taxi networks in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Where will the air taxi service be in operation?

Currently, the Midnight proposes that the service will operate out of several airports and skyports in the region.

They are Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, EWR, W. 30th, E. 34th, LGA, Downtown Skyport, Republic Airport, and JFK.

Here is the proposed route for Midnight air taxi service:

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Following the announcement, Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer, said: “The New York region is home to three of the world’s preeminent airports, serving upwards of 150 million passengers annually.

“But the drive from Manhattan to any of these airports can be painful, taking one, sometimes two hours.

“We want to change that by giving residents and visitors the option to complete trips in mere minutes.

“With its existing helicopter infrastructure, regulatory support and strong demand, I believe New York could be one of the first markets for air taxis in the United States.”

Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures, continued: “Our strategic collaboration with Archer will be key to our efforts to build and optimise the infrastructure – such as real estate development, air space management, and safety and security protocols – necessary to bring advanced air mobility to our customers.”

This venture looks to expand on the current public transport available to locals and tourists.

New York City has the subway, buses, and the Staten Island Ferry.

The subway operates 24/7, connecting all boroughs with extensive coverage. Buses complement the subway, reaching areas the subway doesn't.

Additionally, commuter rail services like the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North connect outer areas of the city.