Southwest Airlines signs MoU to develop an eVTOL air taxi network with Archer Aviation

Southwest Airlines is the latest major airline to explore the possibility of eVTOL air taxi travel and has chosen Archer Aviation’s technology to help get it there. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a network of electric air taxi operations across multiple airports, beginning in California.

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Archer Aviation ($ACHR) continues to expand its Rolodex with another one of the big boys in aviation. Since its founding in 2018, Archer has established working relationships with United Airlines, the United States Air Force, and Stellantis, which is helping manufacture its flagship Midnight aircraft here in the US.

With FAA certification now in place to begin commercial operations in the US, Archer has been the Midnight eVTOLs to ensure safe operation while simultaneously expanding operations to new regions around the world, such as the United Arab Emirates, India, and most recently, South Korea.

In June, Archer announced a landmark deal with Signature Aviation, a major network of private airport terminals, to identify day-one opportunities for launching eVTOL air taxi services in the US and globally.

Part of that signed MoU takes into account Archer’s business relationship with United Airlines to explore opportunities to commence air taxi services in key United hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

Today, Archer announced plans to implement eVTOL air taxi operations at additional airports – this time on the West Coast with Southwest Airlines.

Southwest looks to deploy Archer’s eVTOL air taxis

Archer Aviation states it has signed an MoU alongside Southwest Airlines to develop operational eVTOL air taxi networks at several California airports where the major airline operates. Southwest is currently the largest air carrier in California, with operations in 14 different airports.

Together, Southwest and Archer intend to develop a “concept of operations” in hopes of laying the foundation for future eVTOL air taxi networks across airports in the Golden State as well as their surrounding areas. Per Paul Cullen, vice president of real estate at Southwest Airlines:

Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas. 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.

The signed agreement will include a partnership with Southwest employees and their respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain necessary operations as the eVTOL air taxi network evolves from concept to plan of action, and hopefully reality someday.

Per the companies, that vision still remains at least a few years away, but the new partners are now starting to lay the groundwork for a future in California in which Southwest passengers can take advantage of zero-emission intrastate travel in record time. If you’ve ever tried to drive through the entire state of California, you can understand why this prospect is exciting for the future of speedier mobility. Archer’s chief commercial officer, Nikhil Goel, shared a similar sentiment:

With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster. 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.

Given the significantly smaller size and weight restrictions of eVTOL air taxi travel, with the bags of Southwest customers still fly free? We will see!