ITA Airways and US aircraft developer Archer Aviation have signed an agreement to explore the development of an all-electric air-taxi network in Italy.
The partnership will assess the potential use of Archer’s Midnight aircraft in major Italian cities, connecting airports with city centres and other strategic destinations. Archer says the aircraft is intended to replace some 60- to 90-minute road journeys with electric flights of approximately 10 to 20 minutes. A possible journey from Rome Fiumicino Airport to central Rome could take less than 10 minutes, compared with about an hour by road.
ITA Airways said its role would focus on integrating any future service with its airline network and helping create a seamless journey between airports and urban destinations. Specialist partners would be responsible for the operation of the aircraft.
Archer described ITA as the first European airline to join its global network of airline partners, extending a commercialisation strategy already under way in the United States, the United Arab Emirates and other markets.
The companies have not announced a launch date, confirmed route, aircraft order, fares or vertiport locations. The agreement remains subject to further definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, aircraft certification and other conditions. It should therefore be presented as an exploratory development rather than a confirmed passenger service.
The partnership could eventually create faster airport transfers for visitors to Rome and other major Italian cities, but the commercial and operational details remain unresolved.
