Archer Aviation Announces Houston, Dallas, Austin Taxi Networks: Ted Cruz Says Will ‘Strengthen American Leadership in the Skies’

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) is announcing its newest air-taxi network expansion, with three locations planned in Texas, adding to its growing list of locations across the United States.

Here are the details.

Archer Aviation Tackles Texas

After completing flights in California, Archer Aviation is heading to another one of the most populous states in America to help with traffic congestion.

The company announced Friday plans for air taxi networks in Houston, Dallas and Austin, covering the "Texas Triangle" and one of the fastest-growing megaregions in the country.

With its Midnight air taxi, Archer Aviation plans to offer 10- to 20-minute flights as an alternative to hour-long drives in the regions.

"Texas is setting the bar for America’s leadership in the next generation of aviation," said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation. "Our planned networks will make the benefits of electric air taxis real for Texans — trading hours in traffic for minutes in the air, while connecting the biggest airports, business districts and sporting hubs in ways that America’s largest megaregion needs to grow."

Here’s a look at the regions and maps of coverage areas:

Dallas-Fort Worth: air taxi network will connect the major airports to business districts like the Dallas Star at Frisco Station

Houston: air taxi network will connect major airports to business centers and also to coastal destinations like the beaches of Galveston

Austin: air taxi network will connect the airports to the F1 Circuit Helipad at the Circuit of the Americas

Archer Aviation will display the Midnight aircraft at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix race, which takes place from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25 in Austin.

The Texas Triangle is home to over 20 million people, many of whom spend hours each day sitting in traffic if they commute to work. Archer said this turns into heavy congestion that costs the state of Texas billions in lost time and productivity.

“These three planned networks will not only allow Texans to reclaim their time but also strengthen American leadership in the skies,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said.

Cruz said Archer is an example of “American innovation” and has what it takes to be “the global standard.”

Archer is part of the planned operations in Texas under the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.

What’s Next for Archer

Midnight is an eVTOL air taxi that holds one pilot and four passengers that can reach speeds of around 150 miles per hour.

Archer recently completed the Northern California leg of its "No Roads" flight tour, which included flights over the San Francisco Bay. The company flew in seven cities over three days as part of the leg.

The company plans to fly into Los Angeles next. "Archer’s goal with its Midnight aircraft is to transform urban travel, replacing long commutes with quiet, all-electric flights that dramatically reduce travel times compared to traditional ground transportation," the company said.

Photos: Courtesy Archer Aviation