Archer Aviation, a prominent developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has taken a significant step forward in its vision to revolutionize urban transportation by acquiring Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles for $126 million in cash. This bold move signals Archer’s commitment to establishing a functional air taxi network and highlights the growing momentum behind the future of urban air mobility.
Hawthorne Airport, a historic 80-acre facility located near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), includes approximately 190,000 square feet of terminals, office spaces, and hangars. Its strategic location near key Los Angeles destinations makes it an ideal hub for Archer’s ambitious plans to launch an air taxi service aimed at easing congestion and transforming how people navigate crowded urban environments. The deal also secures the remaining 30 years on the airport’s master lease and grants Archer an exclusive option to assume a controlling interest in the on-site fixed-base operator (FBO), pending city approval.
Archer’s plans for Hawthorne Airport are multifaceted. In its recent shareholder letter, the company revealed a two-phase development strategy. The first phase focuses on redeveloping up to 200,000 square feet of hangar space and gaining control over the FBO operations, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive operational hub. The second phase involves the integration of advanced AI-powered aviation systems designed to enhance air traffic management, streamline ground operations, and improve passenger experiences through smart sensor-embedded runways and digital infrastructure. This AI-driven approach aims to facilitate faster turnaround times and safer operations in increasingly crowded airspace, positioning Archer as a pioneer in the next generation of aviation technology.
This airport hub will serve as the operational center for Archer’s planned air taxi network across Los Angeles, playing a pivotal role in transportation during major events such as the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company envisions Hawthorne Airport as a “plug-and-play” anchor hub, intensifying aircraft testing, storage, maintenance, and charging capabilities in preparation for commercial service.
The acquisition and development plans have garnered praise from industry leaders. Michael Leskinen, CFO of United Airlines, expressed confidence in Archer’s vision, stating that eVTOLs represent a fundamental shift in air traffic technology. Through United Airlines Ventures, the airline is investing in companies like Archer that are pioneering technologies expected to define and support aviation infrastructure for decades. Leskinen emphasized that Archer’s AI-enabled operations platform is not just about eVTOLs but about leveraging cutting-edge technology to safely and efficiently move people through congested airspaces.
Local officials have also welcomed Archer’s arrival. Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas publicly celebrated the deal, expressing enthusiasm for the company’s presence in the city and the potential economic and technological benefits it could bring.
However, not everyone in the community shares the excitement. A local advocacy group called Hawthorne Quiet Skies, composed of residents living near the airport, voiced strong opposition to the acquisition and development plans. The group claims it was caught off guard by the $126 million takeover and criticized the lack of engagement from both Archer and city officials before announcing plans to use the airport as a test bed for AI-powered aviation technologies.
Residents living just across the street and within proximity to the airport describe Hawthorne as one of the most densely surrounded airports in the United States, with homes on three sides and a long history of noise complaints stemming from jet and helicopter traffic. A 2021 city noise study identified over 160 homes and approximately 480 residents exposed to unhealthy noise levels. Despite these findings, locals argue there has been little progress on noise mitigation as the airport has transitioned from servicing small private planes to handling commercial traffic and now potentially round-the-clock eVTOL operations.
Community members also express concern about the safety and reliability of the proposed AI systems. Drawing on academic research, they point out that current machine-learning systems in aviation still face challenges in dealing with unusual conditions and lack formal safety assurances. The group worries that Hawthorne is being turned into a live testing ground for AI-guided aircraft without adequate safeguards, updated federal noise regulations, or a clear plan to compensate residents if constant eVTOL traffic renders their homes unlivable due to noise pollution.
Beyond the local issues, Archer Aviation has demonstrated strong financial and technological progress. The company recently raised an additional $650 million in equity funding, pushing its total liquidity above $2 billion. Archer’s flagship aircraft, the Midnight, achieved new flight milestones, including a 55-mile flight at