United Airlines is putting serious money, as well as its airline expertise, behind a novel plan to base electric air taxis at its hub airports across the country.
The airline has cut a deal with Archer, an air mobility complany, to develop a new version of its current small vertical take-off and landing vehicle, which have a range of 60 miles at up to 150 miles per hour. The goal for United is a faster vehicle withy more seats that could replace current air-taxi services it provides through small partner airlines.
United will work with Archer on both design and other issues, including approvals and marketing. Once the design is approved, United will buy 200 of the small planes, to be operated by Mesa Airlines, one of the airline's United Express partners. United's hub at LAX is considered the prime target, with hopes to be in service within five years.
In addition to providing an expanded capacity service, it would help United meet its 'green' goals by reducing carbon emissions as much as 47% per passenger.
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