
Flying High: Air Taxis Set to Debut at 2028 LA Olympics
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will mark a new era in transportation. For the first time ever, air taxis will be used to transport athletes, fans, and VIPs to and from Olympic venues. Archer Aviation, a Bay Area company, has been selected as the official air taxi provider. Their electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft promise a cleaner and potentially faster alternative to ground transportation in a city known for its traffic congestion. However, the integration of air taxis into the existing airspace presents significant challenges. Aviation consultant Mike McCarron notes, "There's a hundred and one different things on the checklist for the FAA to go through." The FAA has stated that they will "carefully evaluate any proposals to operate eVTOLs at airports and will conduct continual safety reviews of their operations, as we do for traditional aircraft." While the cost of air taxi rides remains undetermined, Archer Aviation is confident in meeting the challenges and providing a unique and efficient transportation solution for the 2028 Games. This innovative approach to transportation could set a precedent for future large-scale events.