Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create operational plans for electric air taxi networks in California. Archer Aviation, a leading manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will provide its Midnight aircraft for these networks. Southwest, California’s largest air carrier, operates at 14 airports in the state.
This collaboration aims to revolutionize urban travel by replacing lengthy car commutes with efficient 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. Archer’s eVTOL aircraft is designed to be safe, low-noise, and cost-effective, emitting zero direct emissions.
Southwest and Archer plan to develop a comprehensive concept of operations for integrating electric air taxi networks, enhancing connectivity at California airports and benefiting surrounding communities. This initiative will involve collaboration with Southwest employees and unions, including the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
This partnership marks a significant step toward potentially offering Southwest customers a time-saving airport transport service, streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey.
“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas,” said Paul Cullen, Vice President Real Estate at Southwest Airlines. “We’ve proudly served as California’s largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer’s electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”
“Archer’s collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state’s dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California’s climate action goals.”
“With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster,” said Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer. “By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest Customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”
This partnership between Archer Aviation and Southwest Airlines marks a significant step towards the future of urban transportation, bringing the promise of cleaner, faster, and more convenient air travel closer to reality.
