Archer Aviation Makes a Bold Move Toward the Future of Urban Air Mobility

Archer Aviation has officially taken one of the biggest steps in the electric aviation industry by purchasing the historic Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Los Angeles for $126 million. With LA traffic notorious for being one of the worst in the world, the company plans to turn this airfield into the first large-scale operational hub for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) fleet—just in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This acquisition marks a major milestone not just for Archer, but for the entire eVTOL market, signaling that electric air taxis are moving from futuristic concepts to real-world infrastructure.

Key Facts About Archer’s Airport Acquisition

A Strategic Hub for the 2028 Olympics

Archer has been named the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Olympics, and this acquisition ensures they’ll have a fully operational vertiport right in the heart of Los Angeles. The company plans to use Hawthorne Airport as a centralized base to:

• Operate high-frequency eVTOL routes

• Demonstrate urban air mobility at a global scale

• Reduce airport commute times from hours to minutes

Instead of sitting in gridlocked LA traffic, travelers will be able to fly from downtown LA to LAX in 5–15 minutes aboard Archer’s electric air taxis.

The Aircraft: Archer Midnight

Archer’s flagship aircraft, Midnight, is designed for short urban routes and fast turnaround times.

Midnight — Key Specifications

• Capacity: 1 pilot + 4 passengers

• Range: 50+ miles per charge

• Altitude Achievement: Up to 10,000 feet

• Use Case: Short urban hops (city to airport, city to city suburb)

The aircraft recently completed test flights demonstrating real-world viability—an important step toward FAA certification.

AI-Driven Aviation Infrastructure

Archer plans to use Hawthorne as a next-gen innovation center. The company is developing AI-powered systems for:

• Air traffic control

• Ground operations

• Fleet management

• Automated routing and scheduling

This will serve as a blueprint for future eVTOL airports around the world.

United Airlines, a major investor, has publicly endorsed the plan—stating that eVTOLs could fundamentally reshape aviation logistics.

Huge Financial Backing Supports Archer’s Expansion

Alongside the airport acquisition, Archer announced $650 million in new funding, bringing its total liquidity to $2 billion. Key investors include:

• United Airlines

• Stellantis

• Global venture and mobility partners

This strong financial foundation sets Archer apart in an industry where many electric mobility startups struggle to scale.

Global Expansion Beyond the U.S.

Archer is also building international momentum. The company has:

• Conducted demonstration flights in the United Arab Emirates

• Partnered with Korean Air

• Launched a joint eVTOL venture with Japan Airlines

Urban air mobility is becoming a global race—and Archer is positioning itself at the forefront.

Price & Launch Timeline

• Airport Operations Launch: Before the 2028 Olympics

• Commercial eVTOL Service: Expected 2025–2026 (pending certification)

• Ride Cost Estimate: Similar to Uber Black (yet to be finalized)

Conclusion

Archer’s purchase of Hawthorne Airport is one of the most significant UAM (Urban Air Mobility) developments to date. It demonstrates real commitment to creating an operational flying taxi network—not just renders or prototypes.

If Archer succeeds, commuting in LA and other megacities could be transformed from a stress-filled crawl to a quick, quiet, electric aerial hop.

The future of short-distance travel may be arriving sooner than expected.