O'Hare to Vertiport Chicago

Archer Aviation and United Airlines today announced plans to launch Chicago's first air taxi service between O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport Chicago, the largest vertical takeoff and landing facility in North America, is located in the Illinois Medical District near the Chicago Loop [one of the city's centrally located shopping districts]. This site was chosen as the take-off and landing site for this airport/downtown link because of its unparalleled convenience, access and service. From there, passengers will be able to travel to and from ORD (Chicago O'Hare Airport) via Archer's Midnight in approximately 10 minutes. A similar trip by car can take more than an hour or more at peak times.

"From 2025"

United's and Archer's goal for its UAM network is to provide residents and visitors to the Chicago metropolitan area with a safe, sustainable, low-noise and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation beginning in 2025. Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, a centre for business, innovation and investment, and the home of United. It is therefore a unique city for Archer and United. The first launch routes will focus on transport services between the airport and the city centre, known as the 'core' routes. Once the main routes are established, the next step will be to develop secondary routes to connect the surrounding communities.

Putting the power infrastructure in place

"Vertiport Chicago is thrilled to be participating alongside United Airlines and Archer in the intra-city travel revolution in Chicago," said Daniel Mojica, executive director of Vertiport Chicago. "This partnership will inspire other cities to plan cutting-edge transportation solutions." ComEd, the Midwest's largest utility, will work with United and Archer to build the electrical infrastructure necessary to operate eVTOL in and around the Chicago metropolitan area.