Archer Aviation, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, has partnered with Southwest Airlines to explore the development of electric air taxis in California. Southwest’s vast customer data will play a crucial role in this collaboration. By leveraging Southwest’s customer base, Archer will gain insights that can guide decisions such as where to build local eVTOL stations, known as vertiports.
This partnership with Southwest is the second of its kind for Archer, following a similar agreement with United Airlines. These collaborations indicate Archer’s focus on supporting regional routes. With Southwest operating at 14 airports across California, Archer’s Midnight aircraft, designed to replace urban car commutes with 10 to 20-minute flights, aligns perfectly with Southwest’s network.
Archer is considering various integration options, including allowing passengers to add an Archer flight to their Southwest ticket. The possibility of direct integration at airports where both Southwest and United operate is also being explored. This could streamline the travel experience by allowing passengers to land directly at the terminal and bypass security checkpoints. Discussions with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are underway to facilitate security screening at vertiports. Additional benefits for frequent flyers, such as preferred pricing and earning rewards points on Archer flights, are also being considered.
The partnership with Southwest comes at a time when Archer has been involved in significant financial transactions. Last month, Archer secured the remaining $55 million from a forward purchasing agreement with Stellantis, an automaker. This funding will support the development of Archer’s manufacturing facility in Georgia, where the Midnight aircraft is being produced. Archer plans to build six conforming aircraft in its California facility before scaling up production in Georgia to produce approximately 650 aircraft per year starting in late 2024.
To further support its financial goals, Archer recently offered warrants for the purchase of Class A common stock. While this allows Archer to satisfy payment obligations without using cash, the main objective is to align Tier One suppliers with Archer’s success.
In terms of expansion, Archer aims to launch its eVTOL air taxi service in 2025. Initially partnering with United Airlines and Atlantic, Archer plans to start operations in Miami and San Francisco. The company is also considering expansion to Los Angeles and New York, thanks to partnerships with Atlantic and Signature, respectively. These agreements provide access to over 200 locations across the United States.
However, before launching commercial services, Archer needs to undergo various certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While it has obtained the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate, which allows for commercial aircraft operation, Archer still needs to secure Type Certification and Production Certification. These certifications ensure that the design and production processes of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft meet regulatory safety standards.
Beyond the United States, Archer has made plans for international expansion. The company recently announced a partnership with Kakao Mobility, a South Korean ride-hailing company, to introduce electric air taxi flights in South Korea by 2026. Archer also has ambitions to launch in India and Abu Dhabi in the same year.
Overall, Archer’s collaboration with Southwest Airlines not only highlights the potential of electric air taxis but also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in accelerating the development and commercialization of this transformative technology. With access to Southwest’s customer data and a growing network of partnerships, Archer is well-positioned to disrupt traditional transportation methods and usher in a new era of urban air mobility.