Los Angeles Prepares for Electric Air Taxis Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles is preparing to add a new mode of transportation to its transit network ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games by developing a dedicated site for the takeoff and landing of electric air taxis in the heart of downtown.

This week, companies AEV and Archer Aviation announced plans to develop the first officially designated “vertical airport” in downtown Los Angeles within the LA Live complex, paving the way for future operations of Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Midnight.

The aircraft seats four passengers, and the company aims to use it for short trips between key locations in the city, with some aerial journeys expected to take just 10 to 20 minutes.

Archer was officially selected in May 2025 as the provider of air taxi services for the Los Angeles 2028 Games and the U.S. Olympic team.

The company states that the project aims to help alleviate traffic congestion, but large-scale commercial operation of the service will remain contingent on completing infrastructure requirements, obtaining regulatory approvals, and securing airworthiness certifications.