While many US cities, such as Austin, LA, San Francisco, and Dallas, are seeing robotaxis come to town, Miami plans to take it one step further.
Archer Aviation, the flying taxi startup, unveiled its plan for an air-taxi network in the Miami metropolitan area on Wednesday.
It aims to connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach — as well as the region’s international and general aviation airports.
Flying taxis are officially known as electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, or eVTOLs. The idea is that 10 to 20-minute flights can make commutes easier compared to driving a car.
Unlike helicopters, which face numerous restrictions due to their noise, the fact that eVTOLs are electric means they’re much quieter.
The company has previously said it expects a seat on board to cost about the same as an Uber Black, or around $150.
Archer is working with the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, as part of its planned network.
The stadium already has helipads, and Archer said these will be readied for its eVTOL operations.
Stephen Ross, the billionaire owner of the Dolphins and chairman of Related Ross, said, “We’re excited to embrace a forward-thinking vision that transforms how people and businesses move across the region.”
These specialized facilities are known as vertiports and would likely feature charging stations and areas for passengers.
The plan has the backing of Miami’s mayor, Francis Suarez, who said having Archer’s flying cabs “will elevate Miami’s position as a global capital for innovation and mobility.”
Archer said Related Ross is also planning to develop a vertiport in downtown West Palm Beach. Another one is planned for Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood.
Its map also shows a vertiport at the premium Apogee Golf Club, co-owned by Ross.
Building out the infrastructure for flying taxis remains a key challenge, while companies work on certification.
Wednesday’s announcement follows Archer signing an agreement last month to purchase Hawthorne Municipal Airport near Los Angeles, which it plans to use as a hub for its network in the city. It hopes to launch in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Archer plans to start its first commercial operations next year in the United Arab Emirates.
There are several firms competing in the eVTOL space, including Joby Aviation, which also plans to launch in the UAE next year before expanding operations in the US.
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