Archer Aviation has moved a step closer to bringing flying taxis to South Florida.
Better known as air taxis, the helicopter-like aircrafts are designed to replace trips on the ground with all-electric flights. Archer plans to use its Midnight aircraft to reduce travel times and traffic congestion on South Florida highways.
An air taxi trip from West Palm Beach to Miami could take as little as 30 minutes.
Like a helicopter, they can take off and land vertically, and they fly at low speeds. But they are quieter than similar aircraft and more suitable for urban travel.
Air taxis can reach speeds of up to 200 mph and reach altitudes of 1,000 to 3,000 feet, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The range is expected to be no more than 80 miles.
In Florida, air taxis are expected to focus on cargo delivery, passenger transportation and medical response. Along with South Florida’s biggest airports, Archer also plans to pick up and drop off passengers at the Boca Raton Airport, Witham Field in Stuart, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and Miami Executive Airport.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced this month that Archer Aviation and its partners have been selected to participate in the Trump administration’s eVTOL project, which stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing.
How close are air taxis to helicopters?
eVTOLS are futuristic aircraft that have the potential to generate new jobs, connect communities, and strengthen American leadership in aviation, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Duffy expects the air taxis to be in operation by this summer.
Archer is among eight firms selected to offer eVTOLS. Archer will now work directly with partners in Texas, Florida and New York to begin offering air taxi service.
In Florida, Archer will work with the state Department of Transportation to prepare for flights of its Midnight aircraft that can carry up to four passengers.
An Archer spokesperson said exact locations and routes haven’t been announced yet, but Archer reported in December that it was looking to build an air-taxi network that would connect Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.
“We are targeting similar cost to today’s premium ridesharing options. Rates may be higher at first, but we expect the cost of flights to come down further as the business scales,” the spokesperson said.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, said the announcement from the White House, the FAA and the federal transportation department shows bringing air taxis to market in the United States is a priority.
He said the pilot program will introduce the public to air taxis the way Waymo did with self-driving cars, adding that every safe air-taxi flight builds towards public acceptance.
“We need to build that acceptance in parallel with our certification efforts,” said Goldstein.
His company, based in San Jose, California, has partnered with Related Ross, Hard Rock Stadium and Magic City Innovation District in Miami-Dade County, as well as Apogee Golf Club in Martin County, to develop potential landing facilities.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Electric air taxis closer to taking off in South Florida skies