July 12 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation 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. (Reporting by David Shepardson Editing by Mark Potter)