LA 2028 Olympics to Introduce Air Taxi Service for Spectators

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are set to feature an innovative air taxi service, designed to transport spectators and avoid the notorious traffic in the city, thanks to a collaboration with Archer Aviation.

The LA28 committee, responsible for organizing the 2028 Summer Olympics, unveiled an exciting air taxi project to ease transportation for spectators during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In partnership with Archer Aviation, the plan is to launch a fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) to offer quick transportation between various Olympic venues, according to a recent announcement.

While flying taxis have long been a vision of the future, the technology faced delays; Paris intended to introduce them for the 2024 Olympics but could not secure necessary certifications in time. At present, Archer Aviation is awaiting certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which would allow their aircraft to be used commercially, with hopes pinned on achieving that milestone by the end of this year.

If certification comes through by the time the Games commence, trips on air taxis could range from 10 to 20 minutes, with pricing expected to align with high-end ride-hailing services like Uber, revealed Archer’s CEO Adam Goldstein. The service would operate via a mobile app, enabling users to request rides, while each aircraft accommodates up to four passengers with a design similar to that of helicopters for take-off and landing.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft aims to stand out not only for its convenience but also for its environmental friendliness, generating less noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters. Boasting a range of twelve engines and propellers, the vehicle would strive to meet the safety standards akin to those of commercial airliners.

Goldstein expressed the company’s ambition to revolutionize urban travel within Los Angeles, positioning the launch of their air taxi service as an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the future of American transportation. However, safety regulations and financial investments remain barriers for the flying taxi industry, which has encountered multiple challenges.

Despite the hurdles faced, Archer Aviation remains optimistic about promoting its aircraft during the worldwide stage of the 2028 Olympics. Meanwhile, global efforts towards introducing flying taxis continue, as the UK government projects that the first operational flying taxi could take flight by 2026.

Los Angeles is set to host the Summer Olympics for the third time, having previously held the event in 1984 and 1932. The upcoming Games also mark a significant shift in transit strategy, as automobiles will be restricted from event venues, compounding the urgency for innovative travel solutions in the city.