Archer Aviation and AEG Partner to Develop Vertiport in Downtown Los Angeles
Archer Aviation, in collaboration with sports and entertainment company AEG, has announced plans to establish a vertiport at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. This initiative marks a significant step in the development of Archer’s air taxi network in the region.
Details of the Partnership
The partnership between Archer and AEG is exclusive and spans multiple years. As part of this agreement, Archer will be the sole air taxi provider for the L.A. LIVE district, which is a prominent sports and entertainment hub adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
If the vertiport is developed as planned, it will be the first of its kind in downtown Los Angeles, enhancing Archer’s planned regional air taxi network.
About L.A. LIVE
L.A. LIVE is a four-million-square-foot entertainment district that features various venues, including the Peacock Theater, The Novo, and the GRAMMY Museum. The district is known for hosting major sports and live entertainment events.
Archer’s Air Taxi Network
Archer intends to utilize its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for the air taxi network. The Midnight aircraft is designed for short urban trips, capable of vertical takeoff and transitioning to wing-borne flight, with speeds reaching up to 150 mph.
Archer’s planned network aims to significantly reduce travel times, converting ground trips of an hour or more into flights lasting between 10 to 20 minutes. Previously announced locations for the network include SoFi Stadium, USC, and Hollywood Burbank, with Hawthorne Airport designated as the central operational hub.
Feasibility and Infrastructure
AEG and Archer have conducted an initial feasibility study for the proposed site, examining land use, airspace, power availability, and community impact. The companies are currently assessing the operational approach and guest experience, with plans to incorporate BETA Technologies electric aviation chargers as part of the ACES consortium’s initiative to standardize charging infrastructure.
Implications for the 2028 Olympic Games
This project aligns with Archer’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where the company serves as the Official Air Taxi Provider for LA28 and Team USA. Downtown Los Angeles is expected to be a central hub during the Games.
Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the significance of this project, stating it presents a unique opportunity to establish a flagship location in downtown Los Angeles ahead of the LA28 Games.
Archer will showcase its Midnight aircraft at L.A. LIVE on August 24 and 25, unveiling the aircraft’s Team USA livery for the first time. This announcement further expands Archer’s planned Los Angeles network as the company progresses toward commercial operations, with the Midnight aircraft currently in Phase 4 of the FAA‘s certification process.