United Airlines signs cooperation with Archer Aviation

United Airlines has signed a cooperation with Archer Aviation, in which the airline will support the manufacturer in accelerating the design and production of advanced short-haul electric aircraft that can take-off and land vertically. This type of aircraft is known as eVTOL. The investment is part of the airline's broader effort of investing in emerging technologies that will decarbonize air travel.

Part of the investment is that United, once the aircraft meets the airlines' operating and business requirements, will acquire 200 of these electric aircraft that will be operated by partner airline Mesa Airlines. It will be used to give customers a quick, economical and low-carbon way to get to United's hub airports and commute in dense urban environments within the next five years.

Archer's aircraft are designed to travel distances of up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour and future models will be designed to travel faster and further. The manufacturer is also persuing other use for its electric aircraft like carrying cargo and for use by the military. Archer plans to unveil its full scale eVTOL aircraft in 2021, begin aircraft production in 2023, and launch consumer flights in 2024.

Illustration by Archer Aviation