United Airlines reached an agreement Wednesday with air mobility company Archer Aviation to accelerate advanced, short-haul electric aircraft production.
“Part of how United will combat global warming is by embracing emerging technologies that decarbonize air travel,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “By working with Archer, United is showing the aviation industry that now is the time to embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation. With the right technology, we can curb the impact aircraft have on the planet, but we have to identify the next generation of companies who will make this a reality early and find ways to help them get off the ground.”
Under the agreement, United will contribute its expertise in airspace management to assist Archer with the development of battery-powered, short-haul aircraft.
After the aircraft are in operation and have met United’s operating and business requirements, United, in conjunction with Mesa Airlines, would acquire a fleet of up to 200 electric aircraft operated by a partner and expected to give customers a quick, economical, and low-carbon way to get to United’s hub airports and commute in dense urban environments within the next five years.
“We couldn’t be happier to be working with an established global player like United,” Brett Adcock, co-CEO and co-Founder of Archer, said. “This deal represents so much more than just a commercial agreement for our aircraft, but rather the start of a relationship that we believe will accelerate our timeline to market as a result of United’s strategic guidance around FAA certification, operations, and maintenance.”