Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates. Archer Aviation is a leading manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft.
Southwest, California's largest air carrier, serves 14 airports across the state. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is designed to revolutionize urban travel by replacing 60-to-90-minute car commutes with 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. Archer aims to provide a safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with zero direct emissions.
The partnership between Southwest and Archer will focus on creating a concept of operations for integrated electric air taxi networks that support California airports and their surrounding communities. This collaboration will involve working with Southwest employees and their respective unions, including the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), to ensure efficient operations. The initiative could potentially offer Southwest customers a streamlined airport transport service that reduces travel time.
“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. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, added, “Archer's collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state's dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology. This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero direct emissions 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 combining 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.”
Over the next few years, Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate as eVTOLs begin to take flight. The integration of Archer’s aircraft and urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could offer an enhanced experience for the first and last miles of the customer travel journey.
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