Traffic in Los Angeles? No problem for 2028 Olympic Games spectators in LA
A novel way of beating the infamous LA traffic has been devised for use during the 2028 Olympic Games.
In preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles organisers have partnered with Archer Aviation to introduce an air taxi service aimed at avoiding the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
The plan involves deploying a fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, specifically the piloted Midnight model, to transport spectators between key Olympic venues.
These aircraft, capable of carrying up to four passengers, are designed to offer 10-20 minute flights and operate similarly to helicopters in their take-offs and landings. Archer Aviation, backed by Boeing and United Airlines, aims to price the service comparably to high-end ride-hailing options, with bookings managed through a dedicated app.
‘We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles’
Despite the ambitious plans, the initiative faces significant regulatory hurdles. Archer’s aircraft have yet to receive certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a process that ensures compliance with stringent design and safety standards.
Despite this sounding like something from an Isaac Asimov novel, this is not the first time that flying taxis have been proposed as an option: during the Paris 2024 Olympics, flying taxis were an option but were ultimately hindered by similar certification delays.
The eVTOL industry has encountered various challenges, including issues related to battery density and securing necessary investments. Nonetheless, proponents believe that such innovations could revolutionise urban transportation.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft is built with 12 engines and propellers, and produces “less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter”, according to LA28; the company hopes it will be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “at similar levels of safety as commercial airliners”.
“We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America. There’s no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games”, saidArcher Aviation’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.
The LA28 committee views the Olympics as an ideal platform to showcase this cutting-edge technology, aligning with the city’s broader vision of a car-free Games and a legacy of sustainable transport solutions.
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