Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilising Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at Southwest’s California airports.
Southwest is California’s largest airline, operating at 14 airports. Southwest and Archer intend to collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks at Southwest’s airports. According to the announcement, the collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations.
“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas,” said Paul Cullen, Vice President of Real Estate at Southwest Airlines. “We’ve proudly served as California’s largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer’s electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”
“With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster,” said Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer. “By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”
In their announcements, neither company discussed the financial specifics of the MoU, its term, or any limitations it might entail.
