United Airlines to buy 200 flying electric taxis to bring passengers to airports

United Airlines plans to buy 200 flying electric taxis to transport passengers to the airport within the next five years while investing in flying taxi firm Archer in a $1.1 billion deal to develop the aircraft.

However, regulatory approval for the aircraft is required before the purchase can go ahead.

United Airlines will team up with Mesa Airlines, a US regional carrier, to acquire Archer's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Other investors in Archer include carmaker Stellantis.

Under the deal, United and Mesa have the option to buy another $500 million worth of aircraft.

The California-based Archer plans to launch its shares on the US stock market following the deal.

Archer's flying taxis would be capable of flying a distance of 60 miles at 150 miles an hour while nearly cutting in half carbon dioxide emissions for passengers traveling to the airport.