Electric air taxi start-up maps out ambitious network across California cutting hour-long commutes

Passengers will be able to fly in Archer’s Midnight aircraft, reducing what would be hours in traffic to a 10-20 minute flight.Photo byArcher Aviation

Archer Aviation Inc. has announced an ambitious plan to revolutionize commuting in Southern California with the launch of an air mobility network in Los Angeles. Set to begin operations as early as 2026, the network aims to offer residents and visitors a faster, more sustainable alternative to the region's notorious traffic.

The proposed network will feature vertiports—vertical take-off and landing locations—at key sites including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, and Van Nuys. Passengers will be able to fly in Archer’s Midnight aircraft, reducing what would be hours in traffic to a 10-20 minute flight.

Archer is also in discussions with the Los Angeles Rams to potentially establish exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and Hollywood Park, home of SoFi Stadium. Additionally, the University of Southern California (USC) is collaborating with Archer to convert its heliports into locations for Midnight and other vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, enhancing access to the USC campus and its facilities.

"This is a big moment for Archer," said CEO Adam Goldstein. "Establishing our LA network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next four years is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see."

Midnight, Archer’s electric aircraft, will be central to this network. Designed for sustainability, low noise, and high safety standards, Midnight can travel at speeds up to 150 mph and perform back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time between trips.