Archer's aerial taxis are en route to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics.
Image used with permission from the copyright holder
Recall the excitement surrounding flying taxis soaring through Paris for the 2024 Olympics? That sci-fi dream never materialized—Germany's Volocopter was unable to secure certification, leaving enthusiasts faced with the same old ground traffic. However, the opportunity for airborne transportation is back, this time in Los Angeles.
Archer Aviation, the California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, has been designated as the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Archer's Midnight aircraft, a piloted electric air taxi capable of carrying four passengers, will transport VIPs, fans, and other stakeholders between various venues and key locations including LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and even Orange County. Imagine 10-20 minute flights that bypass the notorious LA traffic and drop you right at your destination—essentially on rooftops.
“We aim to change how people travel around Los Angeles and create a lasting impact on the future of transportation in America. There’s no better occasion to achieve this than during the LA28 Games,” stated Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.
And Midnight isn't just stylish. It’s a nearly silent, low-emission aircraft featuring 12 rotors and a high-standard, airline-level safety design.
Additionally, Archer and LA28 are collaborating to electrify vertiport hubs throughout the city—envision futuristic sky stations—not just for the needs of the Games, but to establish the groundwork for a post-Olympic air mobility network.
In recent years, the air mobility market has been progressing rapidly, showcasing partnerships like Hyundai's collaboration with China's XPeng HT Aero and Toyota's investment in Joby Aviation, a U.S. endeavor. Joby acquired Uber Elevate in 2020, with aspirations to eventually link its air taxis with Uber’s ride-hailing service.
For its part, Archer has been diligently forming a strategic alliance with United Airlines, which has already placed orders for the aircraft and is assisting with logistics for integrating air taxis into airport-to-downtown travel. More than just a demonstration for visual appeal, the LA28 partnership will genuinely highlight urban air travel for everyday use, starting with one of the world's most notable events.
After raising false hopes in Paris, the air taxi vision aims for takeoff in LA—and this time, it may just succeed in landing.
Nick Godt has reported on global business news across three continents for over 25 years.
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Archer's aerial taxis are en route to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics.
Archer Aviation was designated as the sole air taxi provider for LA28.