Archer has set out a plan to launch a proposed air taxi network in New York City in collaboration with United Airlines, with the aim of enabling fast transfers from Manhattan to local airports using its electric Midnight aircraft.

The aircraft, designed for four passengers plus a pilot, is being developed with the goal of reducing travel times to as little as five minutes, bypassing road traffic and emitting less noise than a conventional helicopter. Midnight features twelve engines and redundant systems across the platform, with Archer targeting safety levels comparable to commercial aircraft.

The company intends to make use of existing aviation infrastructure by partnering with operators of local helipads and airport real estate to establish vertiports. These early routes would complement commercial airline travel and serve key gateways in the region. Archer received its FAA Part 135 certificate in June 2024 and is working toward full type certification for Midnight before launch.

Facilities in San Jose, California and Covington, Georgia are manufacturing the aircraft. Development of the New York-area network will also involve collaboration with Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, Skyports/Groupe ADP, Modern Aviation and Air Pegasus.

United has ordered Midnight aircraft and is supporting Archer through real estate and operational planning. Its head of ventures, Andrew Chang, says the partnership will help “build and optimise the infrastructure, such as real estate development, air space management and safety and security protocols.”

Archer has previously revealed similar plans for air taxi operations in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton says the agency is working to “responsibly explore how this new technology can be safely integrated into the region's broader transportation network”.

NYCEDC president and CEO Andrew Kimball adds: “We look forward to partnering with Archer and other leading eVTOL companies to propel this industry forward... improving the lives of New Yorkers in the process.”