Southwest Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with eVTOL developer Archer Aviation to develop operational concepts for an air taxi network at 14 California airports where the airline operates.
The agreement between the two companies states that Archer will support the low-fare airline with integrated air taxi networks that support the airports and local communities it serves. The collaboration also includes partnering with Southwest employees and unions – a step towards providing a streamlined door-to-door journey.
Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft is currently under development and seeking FAA certification. In June 2024, its subsidiary, Archer Air, received the FAA’s Part 135 and Part 145 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate. This allows Archer to begin operating aircraft commercially to refine its systems and procedures before launching Midnight into airline service.
With a capacity of four passengers and one pilot, Midnight is designed to offer passengers short flight times. It seeks to replace 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with an estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flight.
Whilst this is only the start of the collaboration, it already raises questions about potential ticket costs the airline might pass on to its passengers. The goal of Archer’s aircraft, according to the developer, is to provide passengers with a safe, low-noise and “cost-competitive” transportation option.
“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 of 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.
Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer, added: “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.”
No end date was given for this collaboration, which both companies plan to continue over the “next few years”.
