July 12 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) and

Archer Aviation ( ACHR ) said Friday they have agreed to develop

operational plans for electric air taxi networks at California

airports where the Texas-based airline operates.

The companies said they have signed a memorandum of

understanding to collaborate on a concept of operations that

lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks

connecting California airports and surrounding communities.

Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) have

been touted as the future of urban air mobility.