Why an unproven air taxi company is spending $126 million to take over an L.A. airport

Why an unproven air taxi company is spending $126 million to take over an L.A. airport

Archer Aviation, a San José-based company developing an electric air taxi, plans to take over control of the Hawthorne Municipal Airport near LAX.

Archer’s $126M Airport Gambit Ignites California’s Air Taxi Arms Race

In a bold infrastructure power play, Archer Aviation Inc. has struck a $126 million deal to seize control of Hawthorne Municipal Airport, positioning the San José-based eVTOL pioneer as the linchpin of Los Angeles’ nascent air taxi network. Announced on November 6, 2025, the acquisition—detailed in Archer’s investor release—transforms the 135-acre site, mere miles from LAX, into a dual-purpose hub for commercial operations and AI-driven aviation…