American electric aircraft developer Archer Aviation has just declared plans to launch an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air mobility network in Los Angeles, California.
Archer Aviation’s electric air taxi service to arrive in LA
On Thursday, Archer Aviation announced it will introduce a groundbreaking air mobility network to replace “one-to-two-hour drives with 10-20 minute” eVTOL aircraft flights.
According to the press release, the proposed air mobility network includes vertical take-off and landing locations (vertiports) at strategic areas like the following:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Orange County
- Santa Monica
- Hollywood Burbank
- Long Beach
- Van Nuys
- University of California (USC)
Archer also revealed ongoing negotiations with the Los Angeles Rams for proposed exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and Hollywood Park, an almost 300-acre district centered around the SoFi Stadium.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s game-changing technology to Hollywood Park. This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.”
Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff
In addition, Archer will also collaborate with USC to convert the school’s existing heliports for Midnight and other eVTOL aircraft.
“This is a big moment for Archer. Establishing our LA network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next four years is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see. LA is known for its horrendous traffic—our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option.”
Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer
About Midnight eVTOL aircraft
Archer Aviation’s Midnight is a four-passenger electric eVTOL aircraft, which promises to deliver “sustainable, low-noise, and safe alternative” transportation to passengers.
It boasts a top speed of 150 miles per hour, making hour-long ground transportation into just several minutes in the skies.
Archer Aviation also boasts that Midnight can support back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with only minimal charges in between. Moreover, it is apparently a hundredfold quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitudes.
Midnight can carry up to four passengers and a pilot, excluding carry-on luggage.
The Midnight eVTOL aircraft has already secured a Part 135 certification from the FAA en route to bonafide commercial flight operations.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his delight with Archer Aviation’s initiative, emphasizing California’s potential for technological innovations.
“California is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges. Homegrown companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California cut pollution, clean our air and reduce traffic.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Archer aims to kick off the electric air taxi service operation in Los Angeles as early as 2026, ahead of the surge of visitors across the world for the 2028 Olympic Games.
