FRIDAY FLYBY / AIR TAXI TO AND FROM SD INTERNATIONAL NOW A POSSIBILITY

Archer Aviation’s all-electric aircraft hovercraft is seen in a Reuters file photo at the Salinas Municipal Airport, Salinas CA Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters. 

Air Taxi from San Diego to LA? Southwest Airlines Deal Could Make Quick Hops a Reality 

GUEST BLOG / By Reuters via Times of San Diego’s David Shepardson and Mark Potter--Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation said on Friday they have agreed to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks built by Archer at California airports. 

The Texas-based Southwest's operations at 14 airports in the state include San Diego International, and in greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles International, along with the Orange County, Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario airports. 

Southwest and Archer, headquartered in San Jose, said they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a concept that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks connecting California airports and surrounding communities. Southwest shares rose 2% while Archer was up 10.5%. 

Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) have been touted as the future of urban air mobility. Archer is developing its Midnight eVTOL aircraft. 

 Airlines are looking at developing transport services using battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically to ferry travelers to airports or on short trips between cities, allowing them to beat traffic. "Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer's air taxis could provide customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas," said Paul Cullen, vice president, real estate at Southwest. 

In May, the U.S. Congress approved legislation aimed at helping speed approval and deployment of eVTOL aircraft. Archer thinks the partnership could help shave significant time off trips in California, replacing 60-to-90-minute automobile commutes with estimated 10-to-20-minute air taxi flights through a "safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with no direct emissions." Archer Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel said the partnership hopes to offer door-to-door trips anywhere in California in three hours or less, like Santa Monica to Napa using air taxis on both ends. 

Goel said "really meaningful time savings" were possible, with passengers avoiding rush-hour traffic to airports. Archer hopes customers eventually will be able to book an Archer air taxi ticket at the same time they buy a Southwest plane ticket. 

United Airlines is also an investor in Archer Aviation. In 2022, Delta Air Lines said it had invested $60 million in air taxi startup Joby Aviation for a 2% equity stake, aiming to initially offer passengers air taxi transport to and from airports in New York and Los Angeles. The companies plan to integrate a Joby-operated service into Delta's customer-facing channels to provide short-range airport transport. 

THE FOODIST / NORTH PARK DINING STARS VIA TRAVEL + LEISURE

By Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure Newsletter writer--A trip to San Diego usually involves beach time, nightlife, museums, and perhaps a baseball game or harbor cruise. There are endless things to see and do, but for some visitors, food is the main attraction. 

Close to the ocean and the southern border, this city boasts a variety of places to enjoy fresh seafood and Mexican flavors. The best restaurants in San Diego also showcase Italian, Asian, and American cuisines — and on top of that are the world-class craft breweries, cideries, and wineries. 

Every neighborhood offers a range of dining spots, whether for hearty breakfasts, casual meals, or fine-dining experiences. Many menus are created by chefs with notable credentials, and restaurants offer attractive dining spaces like outdoor patios and rooftops, thanks to year-round warm temperatures. 

While it's impossible to list all the outstanding eateries in San Diego, we're here to give you some ideas of where to find great food and drink in this exceptional dining destination. Whether you're a visitor or a (lucky) local exploring a new neighborhood, these suggestions could lead you to some awesome eating adventures. 

FOUR AMAZING RESTAURANTS IN NORTH PARK

--The Smoking Goat—Located at 30th and Upas Streets, this place is an intimate French bistro with an enthusiastic following who love the baked brie and duck fat truffle fries served during happy hour. The dinner menu features seafood and steak and an extensive wine list. 

Louisiana Purchase—This University near Texas Street establishment (below) brings diners the best Creole and Cajun classics like jambalaya, chargrilled oysters, crawfish, and alligator, plus cocktails and shareable punches. This place is hot during happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch. 

Shank and Bone—University near 30th Streets (above) serves traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes including a selection of pho. Spring rolls, bowls, rice dishes, and banh mi sandwiches are among their specialties. 

Bivouac Ciderworks—In the heart of North Park on 30th Street between University and Lincoln, this popular spot serves burgers, sandwiches and snacks in a casual atmosphere. It is the place in San Diego to learn about and try new ciders.