Archer Aviation, which is developing a four-passenger electric aircraft called Midnight, has unveiled an aspirational Los Angeles-area flight network, which it hopes to begin as early as 2026.
The planned network includes stops at LAX and stops near or at private terminals within Orange County Airport, Hollywood-Burbank Airport and Long Beach Airport.
The Midnight vertical takeoff and landing craft would transport flyers from vertiports, including existing helicopter pads, covering distances in 10 to 20 minutes that would take an hour or two via cars, Archer says. Midnight is being designed to fly up to 150 mph with an optimal range of 20 to 50 miles.
Other stopping points under consideration by Archer include ones adjacent to SoFi stadium in Inglewood, where the Los Angeles Rams play, and in Woodland Hills, where the Rams are building a training camp adjacent to a shopping and dining complex.
Archer also said it is working with University of Southern California to establish an on-campus vertiport. And, the company is working with operators at private airports in Van Nuys and Santa Monica for stops at those two locations.
"This is a big moment for Archer. Establishing our L.A. network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next three years (Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics in 2028) is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see," CEO Adam Goldstein said in a prepared comment. "L.A. is known for its horrendous traffic -- our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option."
Archer is still working its way through the certification process. The company has received Part 135 certification from the FAA for commercial charter operations and Part 145 certification for operating aircraft repair stations.
Archer must still receive certification for the Midnight aircraft. Test flying is slated to begin this year, the company said in June. But certification from the start of test flying can take years.
In the meantime, Archer plans to complete construction of a manufacturing facility near Atlanta by the end of the year, where it intends to produce up to 650 Midnight aircraft annually in partnership with auto giant Stellantis.
The startup has also entered into partnerships with United and Southwest, with which it intends to coordinate flight schedules, easing the airport journey for customers of those airlines.