At United, we are dedicated to redefining the future of air travel with innovation and forward thinking. We firmly believe that, with the right technology, we can revolutionize the customer experience and curb the impact air travel has on the planet.
For this reason, in 2021 we created United Airlines Ventures (UAV) to identify and invest in new cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions—all while empowering and supporting emerging companies in the process. In this way, United is truly investing in a future not yet imagined.
Today, UAV’s portfolio includes a diverse collection of growing companies, such as Eve Air Mobility, Cemvita Factory, Fulcrum BioEnergy, Heart Aerospace, and ZeroAvia, which are spearheading the next generation of innovation and, in many cases, emissions-reducing technology. These companies are leading the way in producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), building hydrogen-electric engines, creating electric regional and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and much more.
Although many of these technologies have yet to begin operations, they speak to the future that United is working to build. We know that scaling the solutions to decarbonize the entire airline industry will take time. That’s why it’s critical that established companies like United put skin in the game and invest in start-ups today.
One example of this is our investments in flying taxis, or eVTOL aircraft. Our $30 million investment in Archer Aviation and $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility are helping both companies accelerate the development and production of their flying taxis. These aircraft are designed to use electric motors, rather than relying on traditional combustion engines, and have the potential for future use in urban markets. For you, this could mean a shorter commute to one of our seven hubs—like going from New York City to Newark Liberty International Airport in seven minutes. These taxis will also have lower emissions. Archer’s aircraft could reduce CO2 emissions by 47 percent per passenger on a trip between Hollywood and Los Angeles International Airport.
In only 18 months, we’ve built an ecosystem to help identify, advise, and guide companies that have the potential to make air travel better for our customers. In fact, many of the companies UAV has invested in are reaching significant milestones faster than they had imagined—bringing a new and elevated customer experience even closer to reality for you.
Together, we are reimagining what it means for a global company and brand like United to pursue innovation with the purpose of improving the customer experience and making the world a better place. UAV is off to a fantastic start, exceeding even our own lofty expectations.
As we look ahead, we will continue to seek opportunities to invest in technology that changes the way you travel for the better. As always, thank you for choosing to fly with United, and thank you for your business. We are excited about what the future holds for air travel. Stay tuned for updates as we turn our dreams of faster, more convenient, and carbon-free travel into reality.
Mike Leskinen
President, United Airlines Ventures
