'midnight' by archer and united airlines to be chicago's first eVTOL air taxi

Archer & United Airlines launch ‘midnight’ eVTOL

Archer and United Airlines have announced plans for the production of the first air taxi in Chicago. Dubbed ‘Midnight’, the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft will realize air routes between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago airports. Starting in 2025, the project seeks to reduce rush hour traffic jams on the ground and provide a sustainable, low-noise, and secure alternative on air. Passengers will be able to travel from and to ORD with Midnight aircraft in around 10 minutes. The same route by car could take more than an hour, depending on traffic.

‘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,’ said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. ‘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.’

all images by Archer | the VTOL will be driven by six electric engines

facilitating transportation services

Located in the Illinois Medical District near the Chicago Loop, Vertiport Chicago is North America’s largest vertical aircraft take-off and landing facility. The site was selected thanks to its exceptional convenience, access, and service.

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This urban air mobility network by Archer and United Airlines aims to offer users a secure and affordable option to ground transportation. Chicago is a flourishing center for business, innovation, and investment and home to United’s headquarters. The first phase of the launch sees airport-to-city center transportation services which are described as ‘trunk’ routes. Once the ‘trunk’ has been established, ‘branch’ routes connecting the surrounding communities will follow.

‘Technological innovation thrives here in Chicago, and this venture between Archer and United is yet another example of this strength,’ said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. ‘This exciting new technology will further decarbonize our means of transportation, taking us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I’m pleased that Chicago residents will be among the first in the nation to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel.’

video still by ‘United and Archer Announce Next UAM Route: Chicago’ ©Archer

Illinois team shared their future goals for a more sustainable and clean tomorrow. ‘This partnership is just another way that we will achieve our goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050—all while saving Illinoisans money and creating thousands of good paying jobs in the process,’ said Governor JB Pritzker.

‘We’re looking forward to working with state and city leaders to bring an innovative transportation solution to the City of Chicago and its surrounding communities,’ said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. ‘Vertiport Chicago is delighted to participate alongside United Airlines and Archer in revolutionizing intra-city travel in Chicago,’ said Daniel Mojica, the Executive Director of Vertiport Chicago. ‘This partnership will inspire other cities to plan for cutting-edge transportation solutions.’

mounted with twelve propellers, it reaches speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and travels up to 100 miles (160 km) in a single flight