AEG, Archer Aviation Unveil Plans for Air Taxis at L.A. Live

Are you ready to take an air taxi to watch the Los Angeles Lakers or Kings play at Crypto.com Arena? It could happen sooner than you think.

This morning, AEG and Archer Aviation unveiled a multiyear partnership and collaboration to develop downtown L.A.’s first “vertiport” — a vertical takeoff and landing site for electric air taxis — at the sports and entertainment district L.A. Live.

The goal is to enable folks to take one of Archer’s Midnight air taxis for a 10- to 20-minute point-to-point trip that, with traffic, could take two hours. The taxis carry four passengers, reach speeds of up to 150 mph and produce far less noise and zero operating emissions compared with traditional helicopters.

Archer already has plans for its air taxi network to include SoFi Stadium, USC, LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport and spots in Santa Monica and Orange County, with the recently acquired Hawthorne Airport serving as its central operational hub.

According to the companies, AEG and Archer have completed the initial feasibility study for the site, including land-use and airspace reviews, power availability and community impact. The next phase, reviewing operational approach and guest experience, is underway. (Exactly where the taxis will land and take off has yet to be determined.)