DALLAS — A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been struck between Southwest Airlines (WN) and Archer Aviation to create operating plans for electric air taxi networks at airports in California where the airline operates.

The plans will make use of Archer's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The objective of Archer's aircraft is to provide a direct emission-free, low-noise, affordable, and safe transportation solution.

With operations at 13 airports throughout the state that total 7,731 scheduled flights, 1,172,381 seats, and 441,402,474 ASMs in July 2024 alone, according to Cirium Diio data, WN says the Archer Midnight plane will take on urban transportation by supplanting 90- to 60-minute vehicle rides with 10- to 20-minute electric air taxi rides.

As part of this partnership, SWAPA and other relevant unions will work with WN Employees to maintain and enhance effective operations. If the partnership is fruitful, it could mean airport transportation services that expedite door-to-door passenger travel for WN customers.

Comments from Southwest Airlines, Archer Aviation

"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."

"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."

Southwest and Boeing

It is worth mentioning that this is the first time the Dallas-based carrier is considering an alternative to Boeing, which owns Wisk, an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of its an all-electric, self-flying air taxi that touts itself as "World’s First Self-Flying, All-Electric," four-seater.

I mention this because last month, Wisk and Houston Airports established an MoU to bring autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston.

Addison Schonland from the AirInsight Group asks if this MoU is a signal from WN, given that deliveries of new Boeing 737-7 aircraft are now slated to 2027. Probably not, albeit eVTOL and AAM technologies, unlike hydrogen fuel cell technology, are just around the corner.