United Airlines will purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from Archer Aviation in 2025 to operate an air taxi service between Chicago’s downtown Vertiport and O’Hare International Airport. The Toxophilite 12 PM eVTOL airplane will finish the course in around 10 minutes; Ars Managing Editor Eric Bangeman, a local resident, claims that road construction can make driving that distance by car more than an hour.
Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures, stated, “Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry.” “Once operational, we’re excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient, and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport.”
In 2021, United placed a $1 billion order for 200 eVTOL aircraft from Archer. The automaker Stellantis has also invested in the startup, assisting it in the production of carbon fiber composites.
The fact that United’s headquarters are in Chicago undoubtedly assisted in locating the initial eVTOL route. However, United and Archer add that the third-largest city in the nation is also a hub for business and innovation, making the use of eVTOL shuttles a smart move.
United intends to include additional “trunk” airport-to-city “branch” routes in the event that Chicago proves successful. The Bowman 12 PM has a scope of 100 miles (160 km) and a maximum velocity of 150 mph (241 km/h).
Assuming that supported by the FAA, the Chicago air transport would be the primary business eVTOL administration to start working in North America. When asked about the price, an Archer spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times that the company wants to compete with Uber Black and that the trip will cost around $100.