LA28 Partners with Archer Aviation to Launch Electric Air Taxis

News Summary

The organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, LA28, has teamed up with Archer Aviation to introduce a fleet of electric air taxis. The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion during the Games, offering a swift Aerial transport option for attendees. Scheduled to launch in 2026, the air taxis will connect major venues across Los Angeles, reinforcing LA28’s vision for a sustainable and car-free Olympic experience.

Los Angeles – The organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, known as LA28, has struck a partnership with Archer Aviation to launch a pioneering fleet of electric air taxis. The initiative is designed to ease traffic congestion during the Olympics by providing a swift aerial transportation option for attendees traveling between key venues.

Archer Aviation plans to launch its electric air taxi service in 2026, ahead of both the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The cutting-edge electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be capable of transporting passengers between various locations in Los Angeles in a mere 10 to 20 minutes. Potential landing and take-off sites, called vertiports, include major destinations such as SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Orange County.

The primary target customers for these air taxis will be spectators and VIPs attending the Olympic events, providing an efficient alternative to navigating Los Angeles’ notoriously congested roadways. The CEO of Archer Aviation, Adam Goldstein, has highlighted the convenience of using air transportation, especially during significant events that demand speedy mobility across busy city venues.

LA28 is committed to crafting a “car-free” Olympic experience for an estimated 15 million attendees, emphasizing sustainable transportation solutions as part of its vision for the Games. The new air taxi service represents a broader push to reimagine the Olympic experience while positively impacting long-term transportation initiatives within Los Angeles.

The electric aircraft from Archer are designed to be quieter and safer than traditional helicopters, featuring 12 engines and propellers that enhance efficiency. Archer Aviation, founded in 2018, has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin commercial testing of its aircraft. Furthermore, the company is already planning to expand its commercial air taxi services in other cities, including New York and Abu Dhabi.

While pricing for air taxi rides has not yet been fully disclosed, Archer aims to keep the costs comparable to luxury ride-sharing options like Uber Lux. Passengers will be able to book rides conveniently via a mobile app, mirroring the existing structure of typical rideshare services.

For Los Angeles to support this innovative air taxi service, it will require federal funding to make infrastructure improvements such as expanding electric bus networks and installing charging stations. This investment is crucial to ensuring cleaner air during the Games, aligning with the initiative’s sustainability goals.

Archer anticipates a demand that could exceed supply, with plans for a fleet of 50 air taxis operational during the Olympics. In addition to facilitating the movement of spectators, the air taxis are also intended to assist emergency services and enhance security measures throughout the duration of the Games.

Financially, Archer Aviation reported a loss of $93 million in the first quarter of 2023, although the company saw its stock increase by 6% to $11.84 per share following the news of the burgeoning air taxi initiative. This venture into urban air mobility comes amid ongoing technological advancements and aspirations toward innovative solutions for transportation in densely populated areas.

The collaboration between LA28 and Archer Aviation exemplifies an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Los Angeles on the global stage, aligning technological progress with a commitment to sustainability during an iconic international event. As the city prepares for the Olympics, the introduction of electric air taxis may mark a transformative development in urban transit and the Olympic experience itself.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times
• Wikipedia: Air taxi
• BBC News
• Google Search: 2028 Los Angeles Olympics air taxis
• ABC News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric vehicle
• NBC Los Angeles
• Google News: Air Taxis Los Angeles Olympics
• Fast Company
• Simple Flying
• KTVU