Archer Aviation unveils plan for Los Angeles eVTOL network

Archer Aviation has unveiled plans for a network of electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Los Angeles, which would be operational from 2026.

According to the eVTOL developer, once the network is launched, one- to two-hour trips will be replaced by 10- to 20-minute electric flights.

Under the plan announced on August 8, 2024, Archer’s Midnight air taxis would transport passengers between a series of vertiports located at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys.

Archer is also in talks with the Los Angeles Rams for potential dedicated vertiports in Woodland Hills and at Hollywood Park, a 300-acre district centered around SoFi Stadium.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said: “This is a great moment for Archer. Establishing our network in Los Angeles ahead of the global events coming to the region over the next four years is a milestone that will put Midnight in the spotlight around the world. Los Angeles is known for its terrible traffic; our goal is to offer a safer, faster and more sustainable alternative travel option.”

Discussions between Archer and the University of Southern California have been exploring the possibility of converting existing helipads at the site so that eVTOL aircraft could operate there as well.

Archer said in his statement: “USC’s ultimate goal is to offer visitors an easy, fast and sustainable way to get to and from its campus, athletic facilities and hospitals in the future.”

The Midnight air taxi is being developed to carry four passengers with one pilot at speeds of up to 150 mph.

Governor Gavin Newsom said, “California is showing the world what’s possible when innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy are embraced to help solve our biggest challenges. Local companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California reduce pollution, clean our air and reduce traffic.”

Archer previously announced plans for an eVTOL network in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Production commitments with Stellantis

On August 8, 2024, Archer also announced that an agreement in principle had been reached with long-time collaborator Stellantis to help scale Archer’s Midnight manufacturing to 650 aircraft per year.

Stellantis would contribute up to $400 million, which would help achieve the production goal by covering manufacturing labor costs as well as certain capital expenditures at Archer’s manufacturing facility in Georgia through 2030.

Among other news revealed as part of Archer’s second-quarter results, the developer announced it had secured $230 million in additional equity capital.

Archer also confirmed the delivery of a Midnight eVTOL aircraft to the United States Air Force (USAF) as part of the AFWERX Agility Prime contract.