As the launch of air taxi travel in the US draws closer, Archer Aviation has announced plans to launch in Los Angeles ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The aircraft service company said it plans to use existing infrastructure at locations including the University of Southern California, Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport and SoFi Stadium. The goal is to whisk travelers through traffic jams to their destinations using multi-propeller air taxis, which the company says are much quieter than helicopters.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently gave the Santa Clara, Calif.-based electric air taxi company the go-ahead to commercially test its aircraft ahead of a formal public launch, which may begin in Chicago and Newark, N.J., Archer has confirmed with United Airlines Two airlines.
“This is the first infrastructure deal we’ve announced in Los Angeles,” chief commercial officer Nikhil Goel said of Thursday’s announcement. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress in how we work with cities and build some early networks.”
The Los Angeles launch requires permission from the FAA, which primarily regulates airspace, and local and state agencies that set regulations and infrastructure requirements, including permits and design plans for takeoff and landing areas. Archer said the site needs to be electrified before launch and clear rules for how air traffic will operate.
Goel said Archer will work with the community to build routes, with much of the oversight work done through the company’s partners.
At USC, the four helipads are rarely used because of noise and cost concerns, he said. He said Archer “developed relationships with the university and administration to be able to use these resources for visitors, guest speakers and those who live further away from campus” who would have to travel long distances.
In addition to United, Archer is partnering with Southwest Airlines and fixed-base airport terminal operator Atlantic Aviation, which Archer plans to use as ground locations at Los Angeles International Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport. At SoFi, Goel said Archer is working with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment to build a vertical landing space. The stadium will host World Cup matches in mid-2026.
“We are not suggesting that we go out and build a lot of new infrastructure,” Goel said. “We’re going to leverage existing infrastructure across the city, but frankly, that infrastructure is pretty underutilized. So what we’re looking to do is… use existing space and certified airports to get our planes flying.
Transport experts say equity, accessibility, emissions and noise are all key issues that need to be addressed with air taxi travel.
California also has strict licensing requirements compared to some other states, and air taxi services may face stricter regulations than other parts of the country. Experts also point to affordability as a potential barrier, as air taxi service could benefit some residents and not others.
Goel said Archer’s ultimate goal is to bring the cost of a ride in line with that of a ride-hailing or taxi service. But initially, he said, it’s more likely to be on par with the cost of premium car services.
Archer’s Southern California network also includes Santa Monica, Long Beach, Van Nuys and Orange counties, and Santa Cruz-based air taxi company Joby Aviation has been discussing plans with authorities and partners after the company previously It has been approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for test operations.
