Archer Aviation has unveiled ambitious plans to launch an air mobility network in Los Angeles, aiming to revolutionize the way residents and visitors navigate the city’s notoriously congested roads. The company plans to replace long, traffic-laden commutes with swift, 10-20 minute electric flights in its Midnight aircraft, with the network set to begin operations as early as 2026.
Archer's planned network will feature key vertiport locations across Los Angeles, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, and Van Nuys. In addition to these critical transport hubs, Archer is in discussions with the Los Angeles Rams and Hollywood Park to develop potential exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and within the 300-acre district centered around SoFi Stadium, a prominent entertainment and sports venue.
The University of Southern California (USC) is also slated to play a significant role in the network. Archer and USC are collaborating to convert existing heliports into vertiports capable of accommodating Midnight and other vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This initiative aims to provide visitors with a quick, efficient, and sustainable transportation option to and from USC’s campus, sports facilities, and hospitals.
“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,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer. “LA is known for its horrendous traffic—our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option.”
The Midnight aircraft, a piloted, four-passenger electric VTOL vehicle, will be the backbone of Archer's network. Designed for short, frequent flights, Midnight is built to provide a sustainable, low-noise alternative to traditional ground transportation. Key features of the Midnight include:
- Speeds of up to 150 mph, transforming hour-long commutes into minutes.
- Capability for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge times.
- Noise levels 100 times quieter than helicopters at cruising altitudes.
- Redundant safety systems comparable to those found in commercial airliners.
- Capacity to carry a pilot, four passengers, and their carry-on luggage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the initiative, stating, “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.”
Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff also expressed enthusiasm, noting, “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.”
Archer's Los Angeles network complements its ongoing efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area and follows recent partnerships with major airlines such as Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. This announcement also comes as the company reaches significant milestones, including a successful transition flight, certification to operate as a commercial airline, and rapid progress on its manufacturing plant in Covington, Georgia.
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