Archer to provide electric air taxi service during 2028 L.A. Olympics

Driving the news: Through their exclusive partnership, Archer and LA28, the games' host organization, will look to integrate Archer's Midnight aircraft in a variety of ways, such as transporting VIPs, fans and athletes.

• The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) planes — deemed cleaner, quieter and safer than helicopters — might also be used to provide support for emergency services and security.

Context: Archer last year announced plans for an electric air taxi network in L.A., leveraging partnerships with major airlines like Southwest as well as Signature and Atlantic Aviation, which support private aviation at smaller airports.

• The company aims to build vertiports and electric charging infrastructure at key venues like SoFi Stadium and the L.A. Coliseum, as well as at various airports throughout the region, Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel tells Axios.

Yes, but: It's all contingent on getting the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration, which has yet to certify Archer's eVTOL or that of its chief rival, Joby Aviation, which also plans to launch air taxi service in L.A.

What to watch: While they wait for FAA approval, both companies expect to launch their first commercial service in the Middle East this year.

• Goel says Archer expects to be allowed to fly commercially in the U.S. next year, and to be flying "at scale" by 2028, when the Summer Olympics begin.
• He wouldn't say how large its fleet will be by then, but said it will ramp up safely starting next year.
• "We plan to make a meaningful dent in some of the transport woes L.A. is going to face," he said.