Archer's Air Taxi Network to Connect Manhattan with NYC Airports, and More

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United Airlines Backs Archer's Electric Air Taxi Vision for New York City

Archer Aviation has today revealed ambitious plans for an electric air taxi network across New York City in collaboration with United Airlines, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation by connecting Manhattan with major airports using its Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

The proposed network will allow travelers to replace lengthy one-to-two-hour ground journeys with 5-15 minute flights, utilizing existing aviation infrastructure, including helipads and airports throughout the metropolitan area.

Key Points

• The air taxi network will connect Manhattan to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports via vertiports at existing heliports and aviation facilities

• Archer's Midnight aircraft is designed to carry four passengers plus a pilot with reduced noise and emissions compared to helicopters

• United Airlines passengers will be able to book Archer flights as add-ons to their regular airline travel

• The proposed NYC routes include three Manhattan helipads and connections to regional airports, including Westchester, Teterboro, and Republic

• The plan leverages NYC's existing helicopter infrastructure and strong regulatory support to create one of America's first air taxi markets

What It Means

This development signals a new phase in urban air mobility (UAM) where major airlines are integrating eVTOL services into their business models.

As Archer nears final FAA certification for its Midnight aircraft, this NYC network represents a strategic move to establish early market presence in high-traffic corridors.

The partnership with United provides Archer with both financial backing and a built-in customer pipeline, potentially accelerating public adoption of electric air taxis in congested metropolitan regions.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. American Airlines Named Official Supplier for FIFA World Cup 26

American Airlines has secured a strategic partnership as the Official North American Airline Supplier for FIFA World Cup 26, collaborating with Qatar Airways (FIFA's Global Airline Partner).

The deal will provide seamless travel experiences across the 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

American's AAdvantage members will gain access to match tickets through redemption programs, with ongoing sweepstakes already launching for US residents.

3. Spirit Airlines Appoints Dave Davis as New CEO

Spirit Airlines has appointed Dave Davis as President and CEO effective April 21, 2025.

Davis joins from Sun Country Airlines, where he served as President, CFO, and board member.

The leadership overhaul also includes Duncan Dee as SVP of Corporate Communications and Trey Urbahn as Senior Commercial Advisor.

4. United Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Rabbit Strike

A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 flight made an emergency landing in Denver after a rabbit strike caused its right engine to burst into flames during takeoff.

The flight, carrying 153 passengers and 6 crew members, landed safely on Sunday with no injuries reported. Air traffic control recordings captured crew members reporting the engine failure.

While animal strikes aren't uncommon (nearly 20,000 in 2023), the FAA is investigating this incident, which highlights the safety risks wildlife poses to aviation.

5. Gulfstream G800 Receives FAA and EASA Certification

Gulfstream Aerospace's G800, the world's longest-range business aircraft, has received both FAA and EASA type certifications with enhanced performance capabilities.

The G800 now boasts an 8,200 nautical mile range at Mach 0.85, exceeding original projections by 200nm.

The aircraft features unparalleled cabin comfort with the industry's lowest cabin altitude, 100% fresh air, and plasma ionization.

Gulfstream President Mark Burns cited exceeded expectations and stated US and European customer deliveries will begin soon.

6. ANA and Singapore Airlines Launch Joint Venture Partnership

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Singapore Airlines have signed a joint venture agreement to launch combined fare products for Japan-Singapore flights starting September 2025.

The partnership aims to enhance flight connectivity beyond their existing codeshare arrangement, with plans to deepen cooperation in key markets including Australia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The joint fare tickets, featuring common price levels, will go on sale in May.

Both airlines' CEOs highlighted how the partnership will deliver seamless, high-quality services and strengthen connectivity at Singapore and Tokyo air hubs.

7. Bombardier Partners with Siemens for Digital Transformation

Bombardier has expanded its partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software, adopting Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to streamline product engineering processes.

The implementation includes Siemens NX software for 3D modeling and Capital software for electrical systems design, building on their Teamcenter software relationship that began in 2018.

The comprehensive digital transformation will create a seamless, integrated digital thread across the full aircraft lifecycle.

Bombardier is also collaborating with Siemens on workforce development by providing software access to students at universities and schools.

8. Amerijet Selects Trax Cloud-Based MRO Solutions

Amerijet International Airlines has selected Trax's cloud-based eMRO and eMobility suite to enhance its maintenance operations.

The implementation includes QuickTurn, TaskControl, Line Control, and EzStock mobile apps with cloud hosting services to streamline workflows with real-time access to information.

The digital transformation aims to improve productivity, data accuracy, and operational performance.

9. Malaysia Aviation Group Reports 93% Profit Decline in 2024

Malaysia Aviation Group reported a 93% decline in 2024 net profit to RM54 million ($12 million), down from RM766 million in 2023.

The significant drop resulted from lower airfares (9.6% yield decline) and capacity cuts due to maintenance issues and supply chain disruptions.

Despite these challenges, Malaysia Airlines maintained robust passenger traffic in premium segments with stronger load factors.

The company is still recovering from two deadly 2014 disasters and temporarily reduced flight capacity by 18% in late 2023 after safety investigations.

Fleet renewal continues with plans for 55 Boeing MAX aircraft by 2030.

10. Saab Launches Aerospace Research Hub in Budapest

Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab is establishing a new aerospace research and development hub in Budapest, Hungary.

This strategic expansion strengthens Saab's presence in Central Europe and creates a center for aviation innovation and technology development.

The new facility will focus on advanced aerospace technologies and likely create high-skilled employment opportunities in the region.

The move aligns with Hungary's efforts to attract investment in the high-tech defense sector and Saab's global strategy to diversify its R&D operations across key markets.