Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create operational plans for electric air taxi networks, leveraging Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates. Archer Aviation, a prominent manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is at the forefront of this innovative venture.

As California’s largest air carrier, Southwest Airlines serves 14 airports across the state. The collaboration aims to revolutionize urban travel with Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which is designed to replace lengthy 60-to-90-minute car commutes with efficient 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. Archer’s eVTOL aircraft promises a safe, low-noise, and cost-effective transportation solution, emitting zero direct emissions.

Southwest and Archer plan to develop a comprehensive concept of operations for integrating electric air taxi networks, enhancing the connectivity of California airports and benefiting the surrounding communities served by Southwest. This initiative will involve collaboration with Southwest employees and unions, including the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), to ensure smooth and efficient operations. This partnership marks a significant step toward potentially offering Southwest customers a time-saving airport transport service, streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey.

“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer’s air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas,” said Paul Cullen, Vice President Real Estate at Southwest Airlines. “We’ve proudly served as California’s largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer’s electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”  

“Archer’s collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state’s dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California’s climate action goals.”

“With Archer’s Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster,” said Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer. “By putting together Southwest’s impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest Customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”

Archer and Southwest Airlines to Collaborate on eVTOL Integration

Archer Aviation Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into Southwest’s operations over the next few years. This partnership seeks to enhance customer travel by combining Archer’s innovative aircraft and urban air mobility network with Southwest’s extensive flight services, potentially improving the first and last miles of the travel journey.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the Company’s plans and expectations regarding the development and operation of electric air taxi networks, collaboration with Archer, and the involvement of Southwest employees and unions to maintain efficient operations. These statements reflect current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially. Key factors include:

1. Impact of disease outbreaks, severe weather, natural disasters, competitive actions, consumer perception, economic conditions, and acts of terrorism or war on consumer behavior and Company operations.
2. Ability to implement, operate, and maintain necessary information technology systems and infrastructure.
3. Actions of activist shareholders.
4. Availability and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment.
5. Impact of fuel price changes and volatility on business plans.
6. Dependence on third parties, particularly regarding eVTOL aircraft and electronic air taxi networks.
7. Prioritization and management of initiatives and expenditures.
8. Impact of labor matters on business decisions and operations.
9. Influence of governmental regulations and actions on business plans and operations.
10. Dependence on workforce and the ability to retain qualified employees.

Further details on risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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