The Mayor’s no-cars edict for the 2028 Olympics didn’t mention flights.
Archer Aviation this week announced plans to launch a Los Angeles network of electric air taxis that it claims will be operational by 2026.
The goal is for passengers to go to a nearby vertiport (vertical take-off and landing location), and then fly 10-20 minutes in Archer’s Midnight aircraft to their destination of choice within the network.
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 to collaborate on vertiports at Woodland Hills and at Hollywood Park. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s game-changing technology to Hollywood Park,” said Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. “This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.”
The University of Southern California is also engaged. Over the next two years, Archer and USC will develop plans for converting USC’s existing heliports for Midnight and other vertical take off and landing aircraft. USC’s ultimate goal is to offer visitors an easy, quick and sustainable way to get to and from its campus, sports facilities, and hospitals in the future.
The taxis travels at speeds up to 150 mph and are designed for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in-between. The taxis are designed to carry a pilot, up to four passengers, and carry-on luggage. The cost of the flights has not been revealed.
The company is planning a similar network in the San Francisco Bay area.
Governor Gavin Newsom is in favor of the project.
“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.”
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