SWA Gets in On Sustainable, Short-Range Aircraft

Southwest Airlines has gotten in on the action of eVTOL planning, selecting Archer Aviation for their prospective air taxi network.

Under their recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, Southwest will see a regional network of Archer eVTOL operations centered around its California airports. In the state alone, Southwest boasts 14 airports in all, making it a solid base to build from. Given Californian traffic woes, Southwest believes it can offer travelers a 10 to 20-minute replacement for a 90-minute car commute. Southwest's plans include collaborating on partnering with Archer to offer their employees and respective unions to maintain and improve efficient operations, lending their organizational expertise to the aircraft developer. If all goes to plan, Southwest passengers could have a pretty streamlined door-to-door journey.

“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 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.”

“Archer’s collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state’s dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California’s climate action goals.”

“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.”

FMI: www.archer.com