United Airlines, Archer to launch eVTOL routes in Chicago

Archer Aviation Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif., U.S.) and United Airlines (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) have announced plans to launch an air taxi route in Chicago, between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport Chicago, reported to be North America’s largest vertical aircraft takeoff and landing (eVTOL) facility, is located in the Illinois Medical District near the Chicago Loop. This site was selected as the takeoff and landing site for this airport to city center route because of its convenience, access and service. From there, passengers will be able to travel to and from ORD via Archer’s Midnight aircraft in approximately 10 minutes. A similar trip by car can take upwards of an hour or more during rush hour traffic. 

United and Archer’s goal for its urban air mobility (UAM) network is to provide residents and visitors in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a safe, sustainable, low-noise and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation beginning in 2025. Chicago is the third most populous city in the U.S., a center for business, innovation and investment, and home to United’s headquarters. This makes it an ideal city for Archer and United to build out. The early launch routes will focus in on airport to city center transportation service, which are referred to as “trunk” routes. Once the trunk routes have been established, the next step will be to build out “branch” routes to connect to surrounding communities.

“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry,” Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures, says. “Once operational, we’re excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport.” Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, shares similar sentiments.

Midwestern utility company ComEd will work with United and Archer to establish the power infrastructure necessary to support eVTOL aircraft operations in and around the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

Archer and United Airlines revealed the first specified eVTOL route in New York in November 2022.