Air taxis coming to Chicago in 2025

United Airlines, in partnership with commercial aircraft company Archer Aviation, has announced the creation of electric air taxis that will fly commuters between downtown Chicago and O’hare international airport beginning in 2025. The project aims to shorten the trip while providing travelers with an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

According to California-based Archer Aviation, the electric aircrafts will fly commuters between the Illinois Medical District and O’hare in as little as 10 minutes. Taxis bound for downtown will land at the Vertiport helicopter landing pad at 1339 S. Wood Street. Each craft will accommodate four passengers along with one pilot, and be able to soar at speeds over 150 miles per hour.

Archer Aviation’s intention is to keep the air taxis as affordable as possible. One Archer official likened the cost to the price of a luxury Uber, which typically cost about $100 between O’Hare and downtown.

The announcement of the project comes in the wake of a sprawling construction plan set to occupy the Kennedy Expressway for the next three years. The construction will have an adverse effect on traffic heading to and from O’Hare, with multiple lane closures and other obstacles planned. Once introduced, the air taxis could help to ease the strain placed on commuters by the construction.

The air taxis are also expected to positively impact Chicago’s decarbonization initiatives by reducing car dependence. Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave a statement on the matter saying “This exciting new technology will further decarbonize our means of transportation, taking us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I’m pleased that Chicago residents will be among the first in the nation to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel.”

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