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 Archer Aviation designated as the official provider for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Achieving widespread operational scale by 2028 faces significant challenges, including unprecedented FAA certification for the new "powered-lift" aircraft category, extensive real-world urban flight testing, and establishing necessary charging infrastructure and city cooperation.
While companies like Archer envision extensive service, industry experts express skepticism about achieving full scale by 2028, anticipating a more limited initial deployment, despite substantial U.S. government support aimed at fostering innovation and competitiveness.
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)
