Archer Aviation Expands Operations in California for LA28 Games

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Archer Aviation's innovative eVTOL aircraft in operation at the new vertiport in Huntington Beach.

News Summary

Archer Aviation has expanded its presence in Huntington Beach, California, establishing a 57,000-square-foot hub as part of its transportation strategy for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics. Chosen as the official air taxi provider for the LA28 Games, Archer aims to facilitate short-distance commuting for visitors using its Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The hub will partner with Clay Lacy Aviation and accommodate the surge of over 15 million anticipated visitors, showcasing Archer’s commitment to revolutionizing air mobility for the region.

Huntington Beach, California – Archer Aviation Expands Operations Ahead of 2028 Summer Olympics

Archer Aviation Inc. has officially expanded its operations to Orange County, California, establishing a significant 57,000-square-foot site in Huntington Beach. This new location is designated as a crucial visitor hub for the anticipated influx of spectators traveling to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In May 2023, Archer was selected as the official air taxi provider for the LA28 Games, aimed at transporting fans, VIPs, and stakeholders across the region using its innovative Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle). The newly established hub in Orange County will play a vital role in this transportation plan.

The proposed air taxi network will feature multiple vertiports located strategically at key venues including SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood, and Santa Monica, as well as the new Orange County site.

Transportation Innovations for the Olympics

Archer’s flying taxis are specifically designed for short-distance commutes around Olympic events, addressing the expected transportation needs during the games. In Orange County, the air taxi operations will be facilitated in partnership with Clay Lacy Aviation, which will incorporate necessary charging infrastructure for these electric aircraft adjacent to John Wayne Airport.

Archer Aviation is committed to revolutionizing transportation within Los Angeles and aims to establish a lasting legacy in air mobility throughout the duration of the LA28 Games. The company has also secured rights as the official air taxi provider for the Paralympic Games and for Team USA.

Development and Testing of the Midnight Aircraft

Currently, Archer is in the process of obtaining regulatory approvals required to launch its flying taxi services. Additionally, the company is focused on developing composite materials for its aircraft at its manufacturing site in Huntington Beach, which currently employs approximately 20 personnel.

The Midnight aircraft has the capacity to carry up to four passengers and is engineered to produce significantly less noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters. Flight testing for the Midnight model has commenced, and Archer is nearing the operational rollout in various locations, including Abu Dhabi.

Responding to Increased Visitor Demand

With the upcoming 2028 Olympics projected to attract over 15 million visitors to Los Angeles, there is a pressing need for innovative transportation solutions. Archer has formed partnerships with notable organizations, including the Los Angeles Rams and the University of Southern California, to establish exclusive vertiport locations to facilitate air taxi services.

Financially, Archer’s stock value has seen tremendous growth, more than tripling since October 2022, with current trading values around $9.84 and a market capitalization of approximately $5.4 billion.

Future Ventures in Defense and Air Mobility

In addition to its focus on public transportation, Archer is also collaborating with Anduril Industries to create the next generation of hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft aimed at defense applications. This dual approach not only positions Archer as a key player in future mobility solutions but also highlights its versatility across commercial and defense sectors.

Overall, Archer Aviation’s strategic expansion into Orange County is a pivotal step towards enhancing mobility solutions in Los Angeles, particularly with the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon.