- Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Municipal Airport for $126M, becoming the first air taxi firm to purchase an airport outright.
- The 80-acre site will be converted into a vertiport hub, supporting flight testing, charging, and passenger operations for eVTOL aircraft.
- With the 2028 Olympics approaching, this move accelerates the race to secure prime real estate for future air taxi networks.
Turning Runways into Vertiports
Archer Aviation is making a bold move into urban air mobility, per CoStar. The company paid $126M in cash for Jack Northrop Field, also known as Hawthorne Municipal Airport. Located just three miles from LAX and close to major venues like SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, the airport will be transformed into a cornerstone of Archer’s Los Angeles air taxi operations.
Unlike competitors who lease rooftops or small parcels, Archer has chosen to buy. This signals a long-term commitment to the market and a significant first in the flying taxi industry.
The Details
The site spans 80 acres and includes roughly 190,000 SF of terminal, office, and hangar space. Archer plans to retrofit the space to support its four-seat eVTOL aircraft, the Midnight. Upgrades will include charging infrastructure, AI-powered flight systems, and passenger-ready terminals.
Currently, six prototypes are in flight testing. The company aims to start commercial service in 2026, with Dubai as its first launch market. However, the Hawthorne site is expected to serve as a key base for US operations.
A Race for the Skies
The acquisition highlights the growing land grab for vertiport infrastructure. VertiPorts by Atlantic has partnered with Cushman & Wakefield to scout landing sites in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, New York, and South Florida. Meanwhile, UK-based Skyports has identified at least eight possible sites in Los Angeles.
These future vertiports range from one-acre rooftops to five-acre ground facilities. Each location will need FAA flight path approval, high-voltage power, and zoning clearance. Therefore, Archer’s full airport purchase gives it a strategic advantage.
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Why It Matters
With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Los Angeles is rapidly upgrading its transportation systems. LAX is undergoing a $30B overhaul, while Burbank Airport is building a $1.3B terminal. Santa Monica Airport, in contrast, will shut down entirely and become a public park.
In this changing landscape, air taxis offer a faster way to move people across the city. For cities and operators alike, early investment in vertiport infrastructure could define who leads the next era of urban transportation.
What’s Next
Archer expects to receive FAA type certification by the end of 2025. Commercial flights could begin in 2026. With more than $2B raised to date, including a $650M round led by United Airlines, the company is well funded for growth.
The Hawthorne site will anchor Archer’s LA network, linking LAX, downtown, and key entertainment venues. Ultimately, this move positions the company at the forefront of advanced aerial mobility—just in time for the world stage.
