US airline United Airlines is set to purchase 200 electric air taxis that will be used to transport passengers to and from airports within the next five years.
A new way to commute to the airport
United Airlines has ambitious plans to introduce electric air taxis as a means of commuting to airports for passengers. The American airline is one of the first carriers to commit to the purchase of air taxis and such a project. The airline has struck a $1 billion deal with electric aircraft start up, Archer, who will develop and provide these electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts. The airline is initially looking to buy up to 200 aircrafts, with the possibility of investing in more further down the line.
More environmentally-friendly travel?
The implementation of such aircrafts should also be a positive step towards more sustainable travel. By using air taxis, carbon dioxide emissions for passengers travelling to airports could be nearly halved. The airline also intends to operate by flying passengers over busy highways close to airports, thus lessening the impact of congestion. The airline has also made a pledge to offset all its carbon emissions by 2050, much like Europe’s aviation sector.
Many other airlines are joining the airline in prioritising such measures, with Dutch and Japanese airlines investing in the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Although still a long way off, the introduction of air taxis could be a promising, sustainable and convenient new method of transport to airports for all passengers.
What are your thoughts on the prospect of air taxis? Would you travel by this means of transport? Share your thoughts below!
