Member Spotlight: Unlocking the Skies Above Los Angeles
How Archer Aviation is building the next chapter of LA’s aerospace legacy and why regional collaboration matters.
By George Kivork | Archer Aviation
The challenge of moving people across the region is one of the defining issues and frequent discussion topics for Southern Californians.
Archer Aviation is developing Midnight, a piloted, all-electric air taxi designed to safely and quietly carry up to four passengers across some of the world’s most congested cities.
As an American aerospace company, Archer is focused on making advanced air mobility a practical reality, beginning with Los Angeles, a priority market as the region prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Archer‘s mission is to unlock the skies in a way that is safe, scalable, and practical for everyday travel. Achieving that requires strong partnerships across industry, government, and workforce development.
I’m proud to represent Archer in Los Angeles. What excites me most is the opportunity to see Los Angeles lead another transformation in transportation and aerospace innovation. For us, engaging with LAEDC is a direct reflection of where we are building, who we are building alongside, and what we believe this region can become. Through LAEDC, we have the opportunity to engage with business leaders, public agencies, workforce partners, and economic development professionals who are all invested in Los Angeles’ long-term success.
When Archer made the decision to invest in Hawthorne Municipal Airport, 80 acres in the heart of Los Angeles County, we made a commitment to this region. That kind of investment demands good technology and a strong ecosystem. It also requires strong partnerships with the organizations and leaders helping shape the region’s economic future. It creates opportunities to strengthen local supply chains, support workforce development, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation exists to help build exactly that ecosystem. That’s why Archer is proud to support LAEDC. LAEDC plays a critical role in strengthening the conditions needed for innovation to thrive in Los Angeles, from advanced manufacturing and infrastructure to skilled aerospace jobs. Supporting LAEDC is a strategic investment in the conditions that will support the success of the urban air mobility industry in Los Angeles. It is also an investment in the partnerships, workforce, and regional collaboration needed to keep Los Angeles at the forefront of innovation.
Los Angeles has always been a region that builds the future. The aerospace ecosystem that still helps define Southern California began right here in the South Bay, when a generation of workers built the aircraft that helped change the course of World War II. The companies, institutions, and talent networks that grew from that foundation have anchored Southern California’s economy for eighty years. That legacy continues to shape how the region attracts investment, develops talent, and competes on a global stage today.
Archer is here to help write the next chapter of that story. By bringing together innovators, industry leaders, public agencies, workforce partners, and organizations like LAEDC, we can demonstrate how the future of transportation can be built right here in Los Angeles County. Together, we will introduce the world to the next era of transportation. We are proud to be part of this community and excited for what comes next.
