Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation are to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilising Archer's eVTOL aircraft across the 14 California airports where Southwest operates.

Their collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations. This is a key step toward potentially offering Southwest customers an airport transport service that saves time by 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,” says Paul Cullen, vice president real estate. “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,” says 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 revolutionise 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,” adds Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer. “By putting together Southwest's impressive network of airports in California and its 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.”

Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate over the next few years as eVTOLs take flight. Combining Archer's aircraft and planned urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could improve the first and last miles of the customer travel journey.