By 13 August 2024
by Christopher Carey
Archer Aviation has announced plans for the launch of an air-taxi network by 2026, when the FIFA World Cup comes to Los Angeles.
The piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft dubbed “Midnight” will be capable of speeds up to 240 kph and is designed for “back-to-back flights” of 30-80 kilometres with “minimal charge time in between”.
The company says it plans to use existing infrastructure at locations that include Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, SoFi Stadium and the University of Southern California.
“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.”
Along with the FIFA World Cup, the city will host the Olympics in 2028 and the Super Bowl in 2027.
“California is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“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.”
Earlier this summer, the company announced a planned air mobility network in the San Francisco Bay Area and a collaboration with Southwest Airlines to connect Archer’s eVTOLs with the airline’s network.
Regulation
While the possibility of flying taxis has been talked up by specialist firms for several years, no commercial service has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Complex regulations and safety protocols mean companies must go through several stages of certification.
Despite the regulatory uncertainty, investment in the field has been expanding rapidly.
According to a report by market research company IMARC Group, the global eVTOL market will reach US$24.1 billion by 2028, growing at an average of 13.6 percent annually.
Last year Archer hired the former acting chief of the FAA, Billy Nolen, as its chief regulatory affairs officer.
During his time at the FAA, Nolen had set a goal for the use of eVTOLs at the 2028 Olympics.
“We know that when the Los Angeles Olympics get underway in 2028, air taxis will be in high demand,” Nolen said in November 2022. “We may see some of them in the years leading up, but nowhere near the scale in 2028.”
Image: Archer Aviation
