United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) are banking on it, announcing the route as the latest addition to its list of airport-to-city center air taxi routes proposed to use the Midnight aircraft in development.

• READ MORE: Archer Aviation Reveals Midnight Production eVTOL

Archer unveiled its Midnight eVTOL production aircraft in November and said it is designed to complete two short, consecutive flights of around 20 sm, followed by charging sessions of about 10 minutes. 

The route to Vertiport Chicago, the largest vertical aircraft takeoff and landing facility in North America, will begin in 2025, Archer said.

“Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, a center for business, innovation and investment, and home to United’s headquarters,” Archer said. “This makes it a unique city for Archer and United to build out.”

Late last year, the two companies announced plans to establish the first airport-to-city-center route using Archer’s all-electric Midnight air taxi between Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York (KJRB). At the time, Archer said the route plan marked the first time an eVTOL company has named a specific route it plans to serve.

• READ MORE: Archer eVTOL Production to Get Lift from Carmaker Stellantis

And like the New York route, the Chicago service would have an eye on expansion. Initial routes will focus on “trunk routes” between the airport and the city center, with “branch” routes to surrounding communities following as a next step.

“Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry,” Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures, said in a statement. “Once operational, we’re excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport.” 

The post Archer, United Plan eVTOL Air Taxi Route in Chicago appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Monacair SAM, Héli Sécurité, and another unnamed helicopter operator in the South of France will be added to Blade’s growing international operations.

“These three acquisitions are core to our strategy of leveraging our asset-light model to aggregate the premier use cases for urban air mobility,” Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal said in a statement. “As a result, Blade has now amassed what we believe to be the most valuable routes in the world. 

“Adding this formidable presence in Europe to our existing operations across the greater New York area, Vancouver, and India, is a critical step in our expansion.”

As part of the acquisition, Blade will invite Monacair’s CEO, Damien Mazaudier, to assist the transition of the air carrier’s passenger services to Blade’s European division.

• READ MORE: Blade Partners with Helijet’s Booking Platform to Expand Service in Canada

“Blade’s powerful global platform, technology, and brand, together with Monacair’s strong operating history, aircraft management business, strategic infrastructure, and customer trust is an unbeatable combination that will amplify urban air mobility in Europe,” Monacair co-founder Marco Casiraghi said in a statement. “On behalf of the Casiraghi family, we fully support and look forward to the European launch of Blade’s commercial services commencing this month with the Monaco Grand Prix [scheduled for May 29].”

According to Blade, the companies have entered into an agreement, with the transaction expected to close by this summer. Blade reports the total value of the sales to be $50 million.

“These acquisitions should contribute free cash flow on day one, accelerating our timeline to profitability while generating a great return on investment today that will only be enhanced by the future introduction of electric vertical aircraft,” Blade CFO Will Heyburn said in a statement. “Blade will now have unmatched scale in European urban air mobility, further diversifying our overall business.”

Blade says it will create branded passenger terminals at more than 10 airports, heliports, and vertiports across Europe. The company plans to commence operations ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, offering seven-minute flights between Nice, France, and Monte Carlo, Monaco, for $220 per seat.

The post Blade to Become Largest Helicopter Passenger Service in Europe appeared first on FLYING Magazine.