The plan aims to introduce a groundbreaking air taxi service during the Olympic Games, pending necessary FAA certifications for the aircraft.
**Air Taxi Revolution: LA 2028 Olympics to Launch Flying Taxi Service for Spectators**
**Air Taxi Revolution: LA 2028 Olympics to Launch Flying Taxi Service for Spectators**
Spectators of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could soon soar above traffic jams thanks to a partnership with Archer Aviation.
In an innovative move for the upcoming Olympic Games, the LA28 organizing committee has teamed up with Archer Aviation to launch an air taxi service designed to ease the burden of Los Angeles's infamous traffic. Scheduled for the Summer and Paralympic Games in 2028, the service will enable fans to navigate the city's skyline using a fleet of aircraft. The announcement follows a history of setbacks in the air taxi sector; although the concept was initially slated to debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, regulatory hurdles stalled those ambitions.
Currently, Archer Aviation awaits critical approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will allow its aircraft to be used commercially. Archer's founder and CEO Adam Goldstein expressed optimism about securing the required Type Certification this year, stating it would confirm the aircraft meets essential design and safety benchmarks.
If successful, the air taxi service could provide transportation between major Olympic venues in just 10 to 20 minutes. The pricing model is expected to be similar to that of high-end ride-hailing services like Uber, empowering users to book rides via an app—where the aircraft can accommodate up to four passengers and take off and land vertically like a helicopter.
The vehicle in question, dubbed the Midnight, belongs to a new fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that aims to revolutionize urban transportation. Despite facing obstacles with battery technology and regulatory approval, Archer, backed by industry leaders Boeing and United Airlines, strives to change mobility dynamics in crowded metro areas.
Goldstein further remarked that the LA28 Games presents a unique opportunity to transform transportation norms in the U.S., reflecting a commitment to both innovation and sustainability. The Midnight aircraft aims to be a strong contender with significantly reduced noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters, promoting a cleaner future for urban air travel.
While the flying taxi concept faces mixed prospects worldwide, including the UK’s Future of Flight action plan targeting 2026 for its first operational air taxis, companies like Archer remain hopeful. The 2028 Olympics could serve as the pivotal moment for demonstrating the potential of air taxis as a mainstream transportation solution and reshaping how Angelenos and visitors move across the city during the Games and beyond.
Currently, Archer Aviation awaits critical approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will allow its aircraft to be used commercially. Archer's founder and CEO Adam Goldstein expressed optimism about securing the required Type Certification this year, stating it would confirm the aircraft meets essential design and safety benchmarks.
If successful, the air taxi service could provide transportation between major Olympic venues in just 10 to 20 minutes. The pricing model is expected to be similar to that of high-end ride-hailing services like Uber, empowering users to book rides via an app—where the aircraft can accommodate up to four passengers and take off and land vertically like a helicopter.
The vehicle in question, dubbed the Midnight, belongs to a new fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that aims to revolutionize urban transportation. Despite facing obstacles with battery technology and regulatory approval, Archer, backed by industry leaders Boeing and United Airlines, strives to change mobility dynamics in crowded metro areas.
Goldstein further remarked that the LA28 Games presents a unique opportunity to transform transportation norms in the U.S., reflecting a commitment to both innovation and sustainability. The Midnight aircraft aims to be a strong contender with significantly reduced noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters, promoting a cleaner future for urban air travel.
While the flying taxi concept faces mixed prospects worldwide, including the UK’s Future of Flight action plan targeting 2026 for its first operational air taxis, companies like Archer remain hopeful. The 2028 Olympics could serve as the pivotal moment for demonstrating the potential of air taxis as a mainstream transportation solution and reshaping how Angelenos and visitors move across the city during the Games and beyond.
