Southwest Airlines and electric flying taxi startup Archer Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop ‘operational plans’ for sub-regional networks using Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates.

Archer Aviation is developing a electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft known as ‘Midnight’. It states that its target market once certification has been achieved, will be 20-50 mile routes in areas with heavily congested roads.

“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.”

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“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 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.”

Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate over the next few years as eVTOLs take flight. Combining Archer’s aircraft and planned urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could offer an enhanced experience for the first and last miles of the Customer travel journey.