The Future is Arriving at the Vertiport!
Archer Aviation has just announced a partnership with AEG (developers and operators of LA Live) to provide a vertical takeoff and landing site (Vertiport) for access by their eVTOL all electric aircraft. And this is happening soon – not well out in the future. The partnership plans to have its air taxi service up and running before L.A. hosts the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games!
Archer Aviation has been pioneering eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) flight for several years. Their premier aircraft, named Midnight, has been undergoing flight testing and is nearing FAA certification which the company says is imminent. The aircraft is 100% electric and has twelve propellers which adjust to provide vertical lift and forward motion -- it lifts off and lands like a helicopter and flies like a conventional aircraft. Its batteries give the eVTOL a range of up to 100 miles but the most efficient use is 20-to-50-mile hops – perfect for flying from LA Live to LAX or Bob Hope Airport. Midnight can carry up to four passengers, a pilot (yes, your ride will feature the services of a professional pilot), and their luggage. It is virtually silent on takeoff and while cruising (it flies at 150 MPH), resulting in a quick, quiet 10-minute trip between LAX and LA Live (instead of the 90-minute drive during rush hour)!
Midnight’s home operating base is Hawthorne Airport. Planned routes will link Vertiports in several Orange County locations with Vertiports at SoFi Stadium, Santa Monica, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Hollywood Burbank, LA Live, and LAX for starters.
A far-fetched idea? Not really. Who would have predicted 10 years ago that there would be hundreds of Waymo driverless cars providing daily transport in L.A.?
The concept of eVTOL flight has gained acceptance from major airlines. In the near future Archer will be providing a fleet of Midnights to United Airlines, a commercial partner and investor. Southwest Airlines is considering a fleet of Midnights to link their Southern California hubs and Japan Airlines is a JV partner leading future Midnight operations in Japan.
Archer emphasizes their Midnight service will not be focused on the super wealthy private jet set. Their goal is to price their 150 MPH ride so that it is affordable to a great majority of travelers. Rates should be close to the current rates for UBER BLACK. Who knows…soon you might have a choice – picking up your iPhone and ordering an Uber…or ordering a Midnight!
By: John Nilsson