Spectators at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles may have the option to avoid the city’s notorious traffic by flying through the skies. The LA28 organizing committee has announced a partnership with Archer Aviation to provide air taxi services during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company plans to use a fleet of aircraft to transport fans to and from venues.
The idea of flying taxis has been a long-standing dream, but it was not realized during the Paris Games in 2024 due to a lack of certification from Europe’s air safety agency. Archer Aviation has not yet been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration, meaning the aircraft are not ready for commercial use. However, the company’s founder and CEO hopes to receive the necessary certification, known as Type Certification, this year.
If the air taxis receive certification in time for the 2028 Games, they would offer 10-20 minute flights to residents and visitors, connecting select destinations including several of the largest Olympic venues in the region. The cost of each trip is uncertain, but Adam Goldstein, the founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, aims to keep prices comparable to a high-end Uber.
Customers would be able to request an air taxi through an app, similar to popular ride-hailing services. The aircraft, called “eVTOLs” or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, operate similarly to helicopters. Archer Aviation, backed by Boeing and United Airlines, is among several companies seeking to revolutionize travel in congested cities by offering short-haul air travel.
Despite facing challenges such as battery density, none of the eVTOL aircraft have yet been approved by the FAA. Archer’s Midnight aircraft, equipped with 12 engines and propellers, reportedly produces less noise and emissions than traditional helicopters. The company aims to achieve a level of safety comparable to commercial airliners.
The 2028 Olympic Games present an opportunity for Archer Aviation to introduce its aircraft to the world and transform the way people travel in Los Angeles. While safety, regulation, and investment have posed hurdles for companies introducing flying taxis, Archer Aviation remains confident in the potential of its aircraft.
In the UK, the government announced the Future of Flight action plan in 2024, predicting that flying taxis could become a regular sight in the skies with the first one taking off in the UK by 2026. Los Angeles has previously hosted the Olympics in 1984 and 1932, making this the third time the city will host the Summer Games. The city had plans to expand its transit system for the 2028 Games but ultimately decided not to allow cars during the event.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgnp103zr9o
