Archer and United plan NYC air taxi service for airport trips

Archer says it will launch an air taxi service in New York City with United Airlines, which will include routes between Manhattan and major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The aviation company aims to replace hourlong taxi rides along congested roads with breezy flights lasting between 5-15 minutes.

Archer and United would utilize preexisting helipads at East 34th Street, West 30th Street, and Lower Manhattan to launch its all-electric Midnight aircraft, which has space for four passengers and a pilot. Passengers would be able to travel from the helipads to all three major airports, as well as three smaller, regional hubs at Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Republic Airport.

Passengers would book air taxi trips as an “add on” to their existing flights — though the price is still to be determined. A one-way ride from Manhattan to JFK Airport on one of Blade’s helicopters typically cost around $265 per seat.

The companies won’t say when they intend on launching an NYC air taxi service, but Archer has said its aircraft will make their commercial debut in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics.

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