Another aviation giant joins air taxi project

11-09-22

United Airlines is investing more money in the future of electric air taxis, which the company says could help reduce carbon emissions once the aircraft hit the market and replace car travel.

The airline said it has agreed to buy 200 electric air taxis from Eve Air Mobility, an Embraer-backed start-up, and has options to acquire another 200. Chicago-based United is also investing $15 million in Eve, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange in May.

United said it expects first deliveries of the planes from 2026. The announcement follows an agreement to buy 100 electric planes from Archer Aviation, along with a $10m deposit.

Other airlines, including American, have also invested in or committed to buying electric vertical take-off and landing, or Vtol, planes, arguing that the new technology could reduce emissions, especially on short routes such as airport runs.

Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures, estimated that the cost of a trip to the airport would be between $100 and $150.

Vtol-linked startups still need certification from aviation regulators and questions remain about the aircraft's infrastructure, Leskinen said in a call with reporters. The aircraft would need infrastructure for take-off and landing.