Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation has made a significant move towards establishing its Los Angeles network with the acquisition of Hawthorne Municipal Airport (KHHR) for $126 million. This airport, located less than 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), will serve as Archer’s “operational hub” in LA, with plans to fly spectators, dignitaries, VIPs, and even athletes on its flagship Midnight air taxi during the 2028 Olympic Games.
Archer also announced a fresh capital raise of $650 million, indicating the company’s potential for growth and success. According to Priya Gupta, acting chief financial officer, there has been significant interest from investors as the company weighed financing options for the Hawthorne acquisition.
Archer’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed the company’s focus on winning over Los Angeles, as he believes that successfully operating electric air taxis in such a congested, complex, and highly regulated city will pave the way for future expansion across the US and the world.
Midnight is Archer’s eVTOL model, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers on 20-to-50-mile trips at speeds of up to 150 mph. The aircraft runs on six electric battery packs, powering a pair of engines each. According to Archer, Midnight is 100 times quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitude.
The company has ambitious plans for Los Angeles, including being the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympics and partnering with organizers of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. To achieve these goals, Archer plans to establish a network of electrified vertiports in the city. These may include terminals at major airports like LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), and John Wayne Airport (KSNA), as well as various other locations such as the Los Angeles Convention Center and the University of Southern California.
Hawthorne Airport, also known as Jack Northrop Field, is centrally located within Archer’s planned network. It is the closest airport to downtown LA, SoFi Stadium (a 2028 Olympic venue), and other major event venues. The airport’s 5,000-foot runway and controlled Class D airspace make it an ideal location for Archer’s operations.
Archer’s investment in Hawthorne Airport could potentially rise to $171 million, with plans to develop additional hangar space and acquire a controlling stake in the airport’s lone FBO, Jet Center Los Angeles. This FBO could potentially host a “vertically integrated platform” for fuel, aircraft handling, and air taxi services.
In addition to being a hub for Archer’s operations, Hawthorne Airport will also serve as a center for testing and developing new technologies. The company plans to trial AI-powered air traffic and ground operations management, as well as other key technologies, at this location.
Goldstein also suggested the possibility of opening the