As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a groundbreaking transportation initiative is set to debut: electric air taxis designed to ferry spectators and VIPs swiftly across the city. This marks a historic first for the Olympic Games, aiming to alleviate LA’s notorious traffic congestion and provide a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
Introducing Archer Aviation’s “Midnight”
Archer Aviation, a California-based aerospace company, has been appointed as the official air taxi provider for the LA28 Olympics. Their flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aptly named “Midnight,” is engineered to transport up to four passengers on short 10–20-minute flights between strategically placed “vertiports” near major Olympic venues, including SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Orange County.
The aircraft is up to 100X quieter than a helicopter when flying at cruising altitudes
These eVTOLs promise a quieter, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional helicopters, boasting reduced noise levels and zero emissions. Equipped with 12 redundant (individual) engines and propellers, the Midnight aims to meet safety standards comparable to commercial airliners.
Midnight includes a battery system that can charge in minutes between flights
A Vision for a “Car-Free” Olympics
The integration of air taxis aligns with LA28’s broader vision of a “car-free” Olympics, emphasising sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. With an anticipated 15 million visitors during the Games, the air taxi network is poised to play a pivotal role in reducing road traffic and enhancing the spectator experience.
Beyond passenger transport, Archer’s air taxis are also slated to support emergency services and security operations, showcasing the versatility and potential of eVTOL technology in urban settings.
Archer’s cutting-edge, proprietary electric propulsion system powers our aircraft.
Building the Infrastructure
To accommodate the air taxi fleet, efforts are underway to develop a network of vertiports across Los Angeles. These facilities will serve as takeoff and landing hubs, complete with passenger amenities and charging stations. Collaborations with entities like Skyports and Commercial Brokers International are instrumental in identifying and developing suitable sites, including rooftops and existing aviation infrastructure.
The Future of Urban Air Mobility
The deployment of air taxis during the LA 2028 Olympics represents more than just a transportation solution for a global event; it signifies a transformative step toward integrating advanced air mobility into everyday urban life. As Archer Aviation and its partners work toward FAA certification and infrastructure development, the success of this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of eVTOL services in cities worldwide.
