We are still very far from imagining everyday life in which people drive around in flying cars. However, as Fortune magazine and The Wall Street Journal report in a related article, some businesses are not stopping and are looking to invest in this possibly uncertain future. One of them is the American airline United Airlines, which is betting on flying taxis for $10 million. The carrier has received an advance on 200 four-seater flying taxis from Archer Aviation, a San Francisco-based industry startup. Archer Aviation operates this type of hybrid aircraft/taxi.

To be fair, the US Federal Aviation Administration has not yet approved these vehicles for passenger transport, but this move is a gesture of support from United, confirming that the technology is valid. After all, last year American Airlines announced it was investing $25 million in a separate electric aircraft company, but that money has reportedly not yet been committed, according to the Wall Street Journal. The idea behind these aircraft is that they will take customers to cities with hubs, allowing people to bypass busy highways and use their time more efficiently. Since these are electric planes, this will also be of great benefit to the environment, as their use will limit carbon emissions. The US Federal Aviation Administration says it plans to integrate flights into existing standard flight standards – most flights are expected to be between 2,000 and 3,000 feet above ground level, with pilot specifications to reflect current ones. Startup Archer expects certification of its air taxi technology to take place by the end of 2024. Test flights of her aircraft began in December last year.

“This announcement marks an important new milestone in our relationship with Archer,” said Michael Leskinen, president of innovative investment firm United Airlines Ventures. “We are witnessing a tipping point where consumers, businesses and policy makers are coming together to prioritize technologies that reduce the impact of climate change.” The Archer eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft can take off and land like helicopters, meaning no runway is required. They are designed to be quieter than cars or even air conditioners and have a range of 60 miles when traveling at speeds up to 150 mph. Passengers will book tickets via smartphones, the company said.