Archer Acquires California Airport for $126M to Serve as LA Air-Taxi Hub

November 8, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764101700230-380

Archer Aviation Expands Operations in Los Angeles Amid Growing Demand for Urban Air Mobility

Archer Aviation has signed agreements to acquire Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Southern California for $126 million, positioning the site as both an operations base for its planned Los Angeles air-taxi network and a testbed for artificial-intelligence-based aviation technologies. According to AeroTime, Archer plans to use the airport as a development and demonstration site for AI-powered air-traffic and ground-operations management systems designed with airline and technology partners. The deal remains subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval from the City of Hawthorne. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said the acquisition gives the company a one-of-a-kind aviation asset in the heart of Los Angeles, supporting its goal of bringing safe, quiet, and sustainable air mobility to one of the world’s most complex urban airspaces.

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Key Takeaways

Archer Aviation acquires Hawthorne Municipal Airport for $126 million.
Airport will serve as operations base and testbed for AI-based aviation technologies.
Midnight eVTOL aircraft has completed significant flight-test milestones.

Archer Aviation United Airlines Lilium Korean Air Japan Airlines Sumitomo

Strategic Implications

This acquisition may indicate Archer’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Los Angeles market. The use of the airport as a testbed for AI-powered air-traffic and ground-operations management systems suggests a focus on innovation and technological advancements. The company’s expansion into new markets, including Abu Dhabi and Japan, could further strengthen its position in the urban air-mobility sector.