Remember the buzz about flying taxis zipping through Paris for the 2024 Olympics? That sci-fi fantasy never got off the ground Germanys Volocopter dream was denied certification, leaving fans staring at the same old ground traffic. But now, the skies are opening again for a second shot at glorythis time over Los Angeles.

Archer Aviation, the California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, has been named theexclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Recommended Videos ArchersMidnight aircraft, a piloted electric air taxi designed to carry four passengers, will be whisking around VIPs, fans, and stakeholders between venues and key locations like LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and even Orange County. Think 10-20 minute flights that skip the infamous LA gridlock and land you right where the action ison the roof, basically.

We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America. Theres no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games, said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.

And Midnight isnt just a pretty rotor. Its a whisper-quiet, emission-light aircraft with 12 rotors and a redundant, airline-level safety design.

Whats more, Archer and LA28 are working together toelectrify vertiport hubsaround the citythink futuristic sky stationsto serve not only Games-time needs but also to plant seeds for a post-Olympic air mobility network.

The air mobility market has been fast developing over the past few years, featuring the likes of Hyundai partnership with Chinas XPeng HT Aero and Toyotas backing of Joby Aviation, a U.S. venture. Joby bought Uber Elevate in 2020, hoping to someday pair its air taxis with Ubers ride-hailing app.

Archer, for its part, has been busy building a strategic partnership with United Airlines, which has already placed orders for the aircraft and is helping with logistics to integrate air taxis into airport-to-downtown travel. More than a demo for the cameras, the LA28 partnership will showcase urban air travel for real-world daily use, starting with one of the most high-profile events on Earth.

After raising false hopes in Paris, the air taxi dream is aiming for liftoff in LAand this time, it might just stick the landing.