The mayor’s decree banning cars for the 2028 Olympics did not mention flights.
Archer Aviation this week announced plans to build a network of electric air taxis in Los Angeles that it says will be operational by 2026.
The goal is for passengers to walk to a nearby vertiport (vertical takeoff and landing site) and then fly on Archer’s Midnight aircraft to a destination of their choice within the network in 10 to 20 minutes.
Archer’s planned network includes vertiports at Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Park, USC, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys.
Archer is working with the Los Angeles Rams on vertiports in Woodland Hills and Hollywood Park. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s groundbreaking technology to Hollywood Park,” said Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams. “This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build out this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.”
The University of Southern California is also involved. Over the next two years, Archer and USC will develop plans to convert USC’s existing helipads to accommodate Midnight and other vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. USC’s ultimate goal is to provide visitors with an easy, fast and sustainable way to get to and from campus, athletic facilities and hospitals in the future.
The taxis will reach speeds of up to 240 km/h and are designed for consecutive flights of 32 to 80 km with minimal charging time in between. The taxis are designed to carry a pilot, up to four passengers and hand luggage. The cost of the flights has not been disclosed.
The company is planning a similar network in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports the project.
“California is showing the world what’s possible when you use innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to solve our biggest challenges. Homegrown companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California reduce pollution, clean the air and reduce traffic.”
