Archer Aviation and United Airlines announced their first airport-to-city-center route between New York City and United’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), according to Green Car Congress.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport settled just above Battery Park on Pier 6, is confirmed as the first planned takeoff and landing site partially for Archer’s broader plan to establish an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) network across the NY Metropolitan Area.
Archer’s electric air taxi network’s goal
Notably, Archer’s electric air taxi network aims to offer passengers cost-effective, quick, quiet, and safe transportation from and to EWR.
In addition, Archer’s proposed Manhattan to EWR route spots the first specific route announced in the eVTOL industry. Furthermore, United’s hub at EWR is ideally located to serve Manhattan, its surrounding boroughs, and communities in New Jersey.
Archer approximates that the journey from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to EWR will take less than 10 minutes via its fully-electric Midnight aircraft, a low-noise, sustainable, safe alternative to helicopters.
A similar journey by car can take upwards of an hour or more during rush hour traffic.
Trunk and branch routes
Archer’s early launch routes will give airport to city center transportation service, which it calls “trunk” routes.
Once these primary trunk routes are built, Archer will start building out “branch” routes to link to surrounding communities. The UAM network’s first phase is targeted for launch in 2025.
