Archer plans Los Angeles eVTOL network to supersede one-to-two-hour drives
Archer Aviation has laid out its plans for an electric vehicle takeoff and landing network (eVTOL) aircraft network in Los Angeles, to be in effect as early as 2026.
According to the eVTOL developer, once the network is launched, one-to-two-hour drives will be replaced by 10-to-20-minute electric flights.
Under the plan announced on August 8, 2024, Archer’s Midnight air taxis would whisk passengers between a string of vertiports located at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys.
Archer is also in discussions with the Los Angeles Rams for potential exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and at Hollywood Park, a 300-acre district centered around the SoFi Stadium.
Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer, said: “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. LA is known for its horrendous traffic—our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option.”
Talks between Archer and the University of Southern California have been exploring the possibility of converting existing heliports on site so that eVTOL aircraft can also operate there.
Archer said in its statement: “USC’s ultimate goal is to offer visitors an easy, quick and sustainable way to get to and from its campus, sports facilities and hospitals in the future”.
The Midnight air taxi is being developed to carry four passengers with a pilot at speeds of up to 150 mph.
Governor Gavin Newsom commented: “California is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges. 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.”
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 has been reached with long-time collaborator Stellantis to help scale Archer’s Midnight manufacturing to 650 aircraft a year.
Stellantis would contribute up to $400 million, which would help to achieve the production target by covering manufacturing labor costs as well as certain capital expenditures at Archer’s Georgia manufacturing facility through to 2030.
Among other news revealed as part of Archer’s second quarter results, the developer announced that it had secured $230 million in additional equity capital.
Archer also confirmed delivery of a Midnight eVTOL aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF) as part of the AFWERX Agility Prime contract.
Archer nears completion of eVTOL mega-facility, 400 test flight target for 2024
Aircraft
SustainabilitybyIan MolyneauxAugust 1, 2024
The post Archer plans Los Angeles eVTOL network to supersede one-to-two-hour drives appeared first on AeroTime.
Archer Aviation has laid out its plans for an electric vehicle takeoff and landing network (eVTOL) aircraft network…
The post Archer plans Los Angeles eVTOL network to supersede one-to-two-hour drives appeared first on AeroTime.
