Archer Aviation has unveiled a blueprint for an electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft network in New York that would link travelers between Manhattan and nearby airports.
The plans published on April 17, 2025, would see vertiports at existing aviation assets around the region, such as airports and New York helipads, used as connecting points for those wanting to save on travel time.
In partnership with United Airlines, the Archer Aviation blueprint would allow passengers to book eVTOL flights as a complement to traditional airline travel, reducing door-to-door travel times to between five and 15 minutes.
Travelers would fly on Archer’s ‘Midnight’ aircraft which is designed to carry up to four passengers while producing less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter.
“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,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer.
Goldstein added: “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.”
Archer is working with existing infrastructure partners, including Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation and Skyports/GroupeADP, as well as new partners Modern Aviation and Air Pegasus, to develop and electrify aviation assets in this proposed network.
“At United, our focus is on driving innovation, reimagining the future of air travel and enhancing the customer experience every step of the journey. Our strategic collaboration with Archer will be key to our efforts to build and optimize the infrastructure – such as real estate development, air space management, and safety and security protocols – necessary to bring advanced air mobility to our customers,” said Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures.
Archer previously announced air taxi networks in San Francisco and Los Angeles, while rival eVTOL developers have signed contracts with other cities and regions in the world.
Archer is continuing to work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to seek Type Certification of its Midnight aircraft and is considered one of the industry’s front runners.
United previously placed an order for a fleet of Archer’s Midnight aircraft and has remained a long-time investor in the company.
