Olympic plan for air-taxis at LA 2028 Games

With some of the worst traffic problems across the whole of the United States, Los Angeles Olympic committee have announced their intention to operate a projected fleet of 50 electric air taxis, to enable spectators to move around the city much more easily for their 2028 Games.

A partnership has been struck with San José-based aerospace company Archer Aviation to provide the service during both the Olympics and Paralympics, diverting a proportion of Games’ traffic into the sky.  

It is unclear how much each trip would cost, but Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said his wish is to keep prices comparable to a high-end Uber journeys and is confident that it represents the perfect opportunity to introduce the air-taxis to the world and leave a legacy that “shapes the future of transportation in America”.

The aircraft will be capable of carrying up to four passengers, and are likely to cater for not just fans, but will also transport VIPs and stakeholders between key venues.

There will be designated take-off-and-landing hubs, with the air-taxis also playing a crucial role in supporting emergency services and security operations whilst competition is under way. 

Previously safety, regulations and investment have proved to be big stumbling blocks, but if it gets the necessary accreditation it is predicted that demand will almost certainly outweigh supply.

Traffic chaos

The city routinely suffers crushing traffic jams, not helped by a poor transit system and with more than 15 million visitors expected during the Games – which will take place right across the country’s second biggest city – something has to be done. 

Not just a flight of fancy

Flying taxis may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but in actual fact they have been a long-standing dream. 

They were planned to debut in the Paris Games in 2024, but were not certified by Europe’s air safety agency in time.

Certification required

By the same token, Archer Aviation has not yet been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meaning the aircraft are not ready yet for commercial use, but the hope is that certification will be passed later this year.

Should it all go through successfully then the air taxis would offer 10 to 20 minute flights between select destinations, including several of the largest Olympic venues in the region. 

Some similarities to helicopters

Just as if it were a normal taxi cab, customers would be able to request one of the air taxis through an app. 

Flying wise, they would operate in a similar fashion to a helicopter with regards to take-off and landing.

Car-free Games the aim

Mr Goldstein added: “There’s a reason wealthy and famous people use helicopters – they’re extremely convenient,” before making the point that his Archer aircraft are safer and quieter than conventional helicopters. 

LA28 organizers are very keen to put on a “car-free” Olympics and this would seriously help their ambitions.

French should have been first

The previous Games in Paris were due to be the first Olympics to have flying public transport operated by Germany’s Volocopter and the Paris airport authority ADP.

Indeed French President Emmanuel Macron was due to be its first passenger, but they repeatedly faced delays and ultimately failed to win certification from Europe’s air safety agency in time.

City will attract millions

The Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremony will take place on 14 July 2028, with the closing ceremony just over two weeks later, on 30 July.

The Paralympic opening ceremony will be on 15 August, and the closing event will be on 27 August. In all, more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports will be contested across more than 800 events attended by millions.