![Archer Midnight eVTOL](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bL-nRDb9oMoBeDAxdBoyO3DMhPw=/0x0:2500x1667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73457209/Midnight_Flight_5.0.jpg)
Today, Southwest Airlines became the latest major carrier to join forces with a so-called urban air mobility startup. The Dallas-based airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Archer Aviation to draw up plans for an air taxi service.
The service will operate using Archer’s battery-powered, four-passenger, tilt-rotor Midnight aircraft, which are designed to take off and land vertically from a landing strip like a helicopter. As part of the deal, the aircraft will get access to 14 California airports where Southwest operates.
This is the latest deal between a major airline and an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) startup, signaling a growing confidence in the ability of these small companies to make their dreams of…