Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates. Archer Aviation manufactures electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Southwest is California’s largest air carrier, operating at 14 airports across the state. Archer Midnight aircraft is designed to transform urban travel, replacing 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. The goal of Archer’s aircraft is to offer a safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with no direct emissions.

Southwest and Archer intend to collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities that Southwest serves. This collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations.

This is a key step toward potentially offering Southwest customers an airport transport service that saves time by streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey.

Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate over the next few years as eVTOLs take flight. Combining Archer’s aircraft and planned urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could offer an enhanced experience for the first and last miles of the customer travel journey.