Blade’s founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, argues that his company will go public through a SPAC agreement.
Perhaps United Airlines personnel have seen several repetitions of quarantined “Jetsons”.
United is planning to purchase up to 200 fully electric “air taxis” – capable of taking off and landing vertically – for the purpose of transporting customers to the airport quickly, safely and optimally with minimal environmental impact.
The Chicago-based carrier announced its intentions to work with Archer, an “air mobility company”, to put the battery-powered aircraft into operation by 2024. Once installed and functioning, Archer’s aircraft will be able to transport customers United from up to 60 miles away, and at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.
United Airlines announced its intentions to work with Archer, an “air mobility company”, to put the battery-powered aircraft into operation by 2024. (Jeff Ludes / Archer via AP)
UNITED CEO EXPRESSES INTEREST IN MAKING MANDATORY VACCINES FOR EMPLOYEES
United CEO Scott Kirby is publicizing the announcement as yet another airline initiative aimed at “decarbonizing air travel”.
“By working with Archer, United is showing the aviation industry that now is the time to adopt cleaner and more efficient means of transport,” said Kirby in a press release released on Wednesday. “With the right technology, we can reduce the impact that aircraft have on the planet, but we have to identify the next generation of companies that will make this a reality from the start and find ways to help them take off.”
| Ticker | Safety | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | UNITED AIRLINES HLDG. | 43.52 | -0.26 | -0.59% |
Archer is scheduled to launch its first eVTOL (vertical electric takeoff and landing) aircraft in 2021 before going into production in 2023. United will assist with guidance in obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, after which United and partner carrier Mesa Airlines will acquire up to 200 aircraft.
Archer is scheduled to launch its first eVTOL (vertical electric takeoff and landing) aircraft in 2021 before going into production in 2023. (Jeff Ludes / Archer)
Archer has since revealed that his United orders are valued at $ 1 billion, with an option for another half a billion dollars, the Associated Press reported.
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The Palo Alto-based company also announced a merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corp. to form a new publicly traded company. Archer and Atlas are valuing the deal at $ 3.8 billion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.