Archer Aviation’s acquisition of Hawthorne Airport for $126 million aims to establish an air taxi network in Los Angeles, but local residents express concerns over noise and safety.
Archer Aviation has made a significant investment in the future of urban air travel by acquiring Hawthorne Airport for $126 million. This strategic move is part of the company’s plan to launch an air taxi network in Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft powered by advanced artificial intelligence.
The acquisition includes the remaining 30 years on the airport’s master lease and an exclusive option to take control of the on-site fixed-base operator, pending city approval. The 80-acre airport site boasts approximately 190,000 square feet of terminals, office space, and hangars, making it an ideal location for an air taxi network designed to transform transportation in densely populated urban areas.
Archer plans to use Hawthorne Airport as the main operational hub for its air taxi services, with preparations underway to support transportation during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company aims to manage various aspects of operations, including takeoff scheduling and ground logistics. In its shareholder letter, Archer describes Hawthorne as a “plug-and-play” anchor hub for its Olympic plans, indicating that the site will be utilized for aircraft testing, maintenance, storage, and charging as it gears up for commercial service.
Additionally, the airport will serve as a testing ground for next-generation AI-powered aviation systems. These innovations are expected to enhance air traffic management, reduce turnaround times, and improve safety in congested airspace. Archer’s two-phase plan outlines a redevelopment of up to 200,000 square feet of hangars in the first phase, followed by the integration of AI air traffic and ground management systems in the second phase, aimed at creating a more efficient passenger experience.
United Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer, Michael Leskinen, expressed support for Archer’s initiative, stating, “Archer’s trajectory validates our conviction that eVTOLs are part of the next generation of air traffic technology that will fundamentally reshape aviation.” He emphasized the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance safety and efficiency in busy airspaces, highlighting United’s investment in companies like Archer that are pioneering advancements in aviation infrastructure.
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about Archer’s plans for Hawthorne Airport. A local advocacy group, Hawthorne Quiet Skies, has voiced concerns about the acquisition, claiming they were blindsided by the announcement and that there was no prior engagement with residents regarding the airport’s transformation into a test site for AI-driven aviation technologies.
Residents living near the airport describe Hawthorne as one of the most densely packed airports in the United States, with homes situated on three sides. They have long complained about the noise generated by jets and helicopters, and a 2021 noise study conducted by the city identified over 160 homes and approximately 480 residents exposed to unhealthy noise levels. Despite these concerns, residents report that there has been “zero progress” on noise mitigation as the airport has shifted from small private planes to commercial traffic and now to a 24/7 eVTOL hub.
The advocacy group is also raising alarms about the safety of Archer’s AI initiatives, citing academic research that indicates current machine-learning systems in aviation struggle to manage unusual conditions and lack formal safety guarantees. They argue that the promises of cleaner, futuristic air taxis do not address the reality of Hawthorne being used as a live test site without adequate safeguards, updated federal noise regulations, or a comprehensive plan to compensate families if increased eVTOL traffic makes their homes unlivable.
In addition to the airport acquisition, Archer has reported significant financial progress, raising an additional $650 million in equity, bringing its total liquidity to over $2 billion. The company’s Midnight aircraft has also achieved new flight milestones, including a 55-mile flight at speeds exceeding 126 mph and a climb to 10,000 feet.
Archer is also expanding its global technology footprint, having acquired Lilium’s patent portfolio, which increases its total intellectual property assets to over 1,000. These patents encompass essential technologies such as ducted fans, high-voltage systems, and flight controls. The company has initiated test flights in the UAE and formed partnerships with Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and Sumitomo’s joint venture in Osaka and Tokyo.
The acquisition of Hawthorne Airport signifies a major step toward the realization of air taxis as a viable mode of transportation. If successful, this shift could lead to shorter travel times across major cities and quieter aircraft compared to traditional helicopters. For Los Angeles residents, the airport may soon become a key hub for rapid, point-to-point travel, especially for visitors attending significant events like the LA28 Olympics.
As Archer moves forward with its plans, the implications for local businesses and job creation in advanced aviation and clean electric travel are promising. However, the backlash from nearby residents raises critical questions about noise, safety, and community engagement in the development of this new transportation model.
Archer’s acquisition of Hawthorne Airport represents a pivotal moment in the quest to establish a functional air taxi network, providing the necessary aircraft, funding, and location to advance the industry. The company’s emphasis on AI-driven operations suggests that automated aviation may soon play a larger role in everyday life, even as regulators continue to navigate the complexities of integrating these aircraft into urban environments. The challenge remains for Archer to address the concerns of local communities while pursuing its ambitious vision for the future of urban air mobility.
Source: Original article