What once seemed like a scene from a science fiction movie is now coming into focus as Archer and United plan to launch the first-ever eVTOL connection in the United States as early as next year. 

Setting their sights on the Big Apple, Archer and United plan to connect Newark Liberty International Airport just outside of New York City with the Downtown Manhattan heliport, providing United customers with easy connections to the airline’s East Coast hub. But how did we get here and what will Archer and United’s New York City eVTOL operations look like as similar models spread worldwide?

 

 

Beginnings of eVTOL Aviation

Over recent years, interest in the eVTOL, or electric vertical takeoff and landing, market has skyrocketed. What first emerged as a viral NASA video showcasing the Puffin eVTOL concept in 2009, in the following years, the aviation community dived headfirst into the world of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. 

Since then, interest among manufacturers, airlines, and travelers in eVTOL technology has stimulated unprecedented progress in a brand-new industry. Dozens and dozens of new companies, like Joby Aviation, Tetra Aviation, Wisk Aero, BETA Technologies, and Archer Aviation emerged as leaders in the eVTOL sector. These startup companies were not left to fend for themselves, many were backed by some of the largest names in the aerospace industry; Boeing, Airbus, Delta, United, and even the U.S. Army pledged funds and support for the future of eVTOL aviation. 

 

 

The Growth of Archer Aviation

One company at the forefront of the commercial eVTOL market is Archer Aviation. Archer has made tremendous strides in the past few months aimed at certifying the company’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft and launching commercial service in the United States. 

Archer’s Midnight plane is fairly standard as far as eVTOL aircraft go. Midnight can safely transport four passengers and one pilot, with additional space for passengers' luggage. The aircraft features 12 tilt rotors allowing Midnight to take off and land vertically while achieving speeds of up to 150 miles per hour (241 km per hour). According to Archer, the airplane is designed to “conduct rapid back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles (32-80 km) with minimal charge time in between”. 

 

To support the private operations of Midnight, Archer has partnered with Signature Aviation, a fixed-based airport terminal operator, and BETA Technologies, a fellow eVTOL manufacturer and battery supplier. These two partnerships will ensure Midnight has adequate charging facilities across the United States for private operations. 

Furthermore, in early March Archer and Falcon Aviation announced their intent to develop vertiport infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. Archer and Falcon hope to launch connections between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to replace an almost hour-and-a-half drive with a short 10 to 20-minute electric flight. 

In the United States, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Archer a final airworthiness criterion for the Midnight aircraft in late May 2024. With that milestone, Archer took a significant step forward to the final FAA-type certification necessary to deliver airplanes and take them to the skies. 

 

In addition, in June Archer received the nod from the FAA to begin commercial air taxi operations under Part 135 regulations. With both the final airworthiness criteria and the Part 135 certificate, Archer joined only rival eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation to hold both certificates. 

 

How Would the Newark-NYC eVTOL Connection Work?

Archer’s first commercial eVTOL route is in partnership with United Airlines which has already placed an order for 200 Midnight aircraft. The two aim to bring eVTOL service connecting Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with Downtown Manhattan in under 10 minutes. 

 

Archer will not be competing alone in the New York helicopter airport transfer market. One helicopter operator Blade, already operates regular helicopter transfers between Manhattan and the three major New York airports: JFK, LGA, and EWR. 

Currently, Blade operates from two Manhattan heliports, the West 30th Street Heliport on the Hudson River and the East 34th Street Heliport located on the East River. From these locations, Blade operates short 10-minute flights between their private facilities at the heliport and Signature Aviation locations at JFK and EWR. 

While Archer will not operate from either of these heliports, instead opting for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at the bottom tip of Manhattan Island, the flight times for airport transfers on Archer will be comparable. In addition, Archer’s aforementioned existing partnership with Signature Aviation will allow Archer to charge its aircraft between short flights from the airport to Manhattan. 

At the moment, it is unclear if Archer and United will build their private terminal at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport like Blade did at the two heliports it operates out of. Blade’s heliport lounges provide passengers with ample seating to relax before their helicopter ride to the airport and even feature a well-stocked bar for passenger’s enjoyment. A similar lounge for Archer could make the airport transfer experience feel even more private and luxurious for their travelers. 

 

In terms of pricing, Archer has not revealed how much tickets on their airport transfer flights will cost. For comparison, tickets on Blade’s airport transfers start at $195 for one passenger. The company also offers what it dubs the “Blade Airport Pass” in which frequent flyers can pay an annual subscription of $795 and receive $100 off each flight, making airport transfers cost only $95 each. With the airport pass subscription, travelers can also receive $50 off one companion seat per flight, making travel with a family member or friend more affordable. 

To be competitive in the market, Archer would likely price their eVTOL airport transfers at a similar price to Blade. While the cost of private helicopter airport transfers is still quite significant, for a single passenger, the convenience of a 10-minute flight from Downtown Manhattan to the airport may be worth the extra cost, especially considering a taxi or ride share from Manhattan to the airport can easily run over $120 and take over 90 minutes. 

 

The future of electric aviation is rich with similar models to the one in New York spreading across the United States and the world. Plans are already in place for eVTOL networks in Los Angeles in time for the 2028 Olympics and other major cities like Chicago. 

What do you make of Archer’s proposed network in New York? Do you think eVTOL taxis are worth the cost? Let us know in the comments!