Major US Airlines Embrace Electric Air Taxis for City-Airport Transport
Two prominent US airlines are embracing electric air taxis to revolutionize urban transportation and offer swift connections between city centers and airports. United Airlines and Blade Air Mobility are leading the charge in integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into their services.
United Airlines has partnered with Archer to deploy the four-seater eVTOL aircraft named Midnight for passenger transport between Manhattan and Newark Liberty International Airport. With the ability to travel up to 100 miles at speeds of 200 mph, Midnight offers an emission-free solution. United Airlines aims to launch commercial flights between New York and New Jersey by 2025, significantly reducing travel times and emissions on the 10-minute route.
Blade Air Mobility, renowned for its short-distance aviation services, is preparing to introduce eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. Teaming up with Urban Movement Labs, a public-private initiative focusing on urban air mobility (UAM) in Los Angeles, Blade aims to leverage eVTOL technology for quieter, safer, and more cost-effective transport options. The partnership encompasses community engagement, infrastructure planning, and policy development to pave the way for UAM services within the city.
These initiatives align with a growing trend within the aviation and mobility sectors to invest in eVTOL technology. Electric air taxis promise to transform urban travel, offering a sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional ground-based transportation. However, challenges related to certification, regulation, and public acceptance remain. The recent FAA decision to classify eVTOLs as “power-lift” aircraft might impact launch schedules for some models, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between airlines, manufacturers, regulators, and communities to successfully implement UAM solutions across the US.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, aviationtoday.com, businessinsider.com, electrek.co