Summary: Archer Aviation, the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games, has purchased Hawthorne Airport near Los Angeles for $126 million. The company plans to use the airport as a hub for its Midnight eVTOL air taxis, providing quick transport to Olympic venues and testing AI-powered aviation technologies. This move marks a significant step toward integrating flying cars into urban transportation, especially during the high-profile 2028 Games.
A Step Toward the Flying-Car Future
A California startup, Archer Aviation, is aiming to bring the “flying-car” future closer to reality. While the vision is ambitious, the company’s immediate focus is practical: ensuring that affluent attendees of the 2028 Summer Olympics can avoid traffic snarls by flying directly to events.
Archer Aviation’s New Hub at Hawthorne Airport
In its third-quarter earnings report on November 6, Santa Clara-based Archer Aviation announced it had acquired Hawthorne Airport in a $126 million deal. Located just three miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hawthorne Airport is ideally positioned near major venues.
Archer plans to use this airport as the central hub for its LA Air Taxi service, deploying its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The service will connect Downtown Los Angeles with nearby venues such as SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and The Forum — all located in Inglewood and expected to host large events during the Olympics.
Testing AI-Powered Aviation Technologies
Beyond passenger transport, Archer intends to leverage Hawthorne Airport as a testing ground for AI-powered aviation projects, including AI-driven air traffic and ground operations management. The company is collaborating with unnamed airline and technology partners to develop these advanced systems.
Background of Hawthorne Airport
Hawthorne Airport has a rich history as a hub for innovative companies. It served as SpaceX’s official base until August 2024, when the company moved its headquarters to nearby El Segundo, though it still leases space at Hawthorne. The Boring Company was also headquartered there until its relocation to Austin between 2020 and 2023. Additionally, the airport has hosted the Tesla Design Studio and was the site for unveiling Tesla’s Semi and Cybertruck models.
Progress on Midnight eVTOL Certification
Archer is still awaiting full approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Midnight aircraft. In the third quarter, the company reported a successful 55-mile, 31-minute piloted flight and showcased public demonstrations at October’s California International Air Show. In June, Archer was included in a White House Executive Order titled “Unleashing Drone Dominance,” which aims to certify the Midnight aircraft as early as next year.
Plans for the 2028 Olympic Games
In May, Archer was named the “Official Air Taxi Provider” for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA by LA28 organizers. The company plans to expand its service to include destinations such as LAX, Orange County, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, though specific takeoff and landing locations have yet to be announced.
“We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America. There’s no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.
Looking Ahead to LA’s Transportation Future
While the venues for the 2028 Games are largely finalized around existing transit hubs in Los Angeles and Long Beach, some infrastructure projects remain incomplete. For example, the LAX Automated People Mover, originally scheduled for completion in 2023, may not be ready by June 2026 for the World Cup, according to a September report from the Los Angeles Times. Archer’s air taxi service could provide a valuable alternative for efficient transportation during these major events.