In May the LA28 organizing committee selected Archer Aviation as the Summer Olympic Games’ official air taxi provider. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA's Innovate28 blueprint targets 2028 for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis to reach operational scale in major U.S. cities, with Los Angeles and the 2028 Olympics as a primary focus.
Archer Aviation has been named the official air taxi provider for the LA28 Olympics, planning to use its Midnight eVTOLs to transport passengers between venues, despite the aircraft being largely unproven.
Significant challenges remain for widespread eVTOL deployment by 2028, including obtaining unprecedented FAA type certification, proving airworthiness in dense urban environments, developing extensive charging infrastructure, and gaining city cooperation.
While some experts are skeptical of large-scale Olympic service, there is strong federal government support and international collaboration aimed at accelerating the integration and innovation of advanced air mobility.
The FAA’s Innovate28 blueprint forecasts 2028 as the year electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis reach operational scale in major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles. The City of Angels is slated to host the 2028 Olympic Games that summer.
If scale is the goal, there are few events grander than the Olympics.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
![In May the LA28 organizing committee selected Archer Aviation as the Summer Olympic Games’ official air taxi provider. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FLY0825_1.3-Modern-Flying-1-scaled.jpeg)
