In a significant move set to reshape urban air mobility in Southern California, air taxi developer Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Municipal Airport (KHHR), also known as Jack Northrop Field, for $126 million. The historic Los Angeles-area airport will transform into a crucial operational hub for Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s planned air taxi network and serve as an advanced testbed for its AI-powered aviation technologies. This pivotal acquisition solidifies Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s position in the region, paving the way for a new era of Los Angeles air travel.
Archer Aviation Hawthorne: A New Era for Hawthorne Airport
Hawthorne Municipal Airport, with a rich aerospace legacy dating back to the 1920s and the home of legendary aircraft designer Jack Northrop’s early ventures, will gain a new lease on life under Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s stewardship. The 80-acre facility, located just three miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and near key landmarks such as SoFi Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles, is poised to become a cornerstone of future transportation. Archer Aviation Hawthorne plans to repurpose hangar space for aircraft testing, charging, and maintenance, integrating it with its growing operational needs. This acquisition underscores the airport’s strategic value in a region increasingly focused on advanced aviation solutions and sets the stage for Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s growth. The Hawthorne Airport acquisition is a landmark event for Archer Aviation Hawthorne.
Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s Vision: eVTOLs Take Flight
Archer Aviation is at the forefront of developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation by offering a faster, more sustainable alternative to ground travel. Its flagship aircraft, the ‘Midnight’, is designed to carry one pilot and four passengers, capable of speeds up to 150 mph with a range of 20-50 miles, ideal for short urban hops. The company has been actively progressing through flight testing, with its Midnight aircraft completing significant piloted flights, pushing the boundaries of eVTOL capabilities. The acquisition of Hawthorne Airport by Archer Aviation Hawthorne is a direct investment in realizing Archer’s vision of a seamless, emissions-free air taxi network, underscoring the importance of Archer Aviation Hawthorne.
Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s Prominent Role in the LA28 Olympic Games
This strategic acquisition by Archer Aviation Hawthorne is particularly timely given Archer’s designation as the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The airport will serve as a critical operational center for Archer Aviation Hawthorne, supporting the transportation needs of VIPs, athletes, and spectators during the highly popular global event. Archer’s ability to deploy its air taxi services during the Games will serve as a massive showcase for Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s technology and a powerful demonstration of urban air mobility’s potential to alleviate congestion in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles. The Archer Aviation Hawthorne facility will be key to this endeavor.
Pioneering AI in Aviation Operations at Archer Aviation Hawthorne
Beyond its role as an operational base, Hawthorne Airport will be an innovation testbed for Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s next-generation AI-powered aviation technologies. The company is developing AI solutions for air traffic and ground operations management, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and scalability in urban air mobility networks. This focus on AI integration, developed in partnership with airline and technology leaders like United Airlines, is seen as crucial for the future of aviation and managing complex airspace in densely populated regions, making Archer Aviation Hawthorne a leader in AI aviation technology.
Financial Landscape and Future Outlook for Archer Aviation Hawthorne
The acquisition news was released alongside Archer’s third-quarter 2025 financial results, which revealed a net loss of $129.9 million. However, the company also announced a significant $650 million capital raise through equity issuance, bolstering its total liquidity to over $2 billion. While this move strengthens Archer Aviation Hawthorne’s financial position to fund operations and strategic growth, including the airport acquisition, it has also led to market volatility, with investors closely watching the company’s cash burn rate against its ambitious development milestones. Archer is working towards FAA certification for its Midnight aircraft, with an eye on commencing commercial operations as early as 2025 and scaling up significantly in the years leading up to and beyond the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, positioning Archer Aviation Hawthorne for success.
The acquisition of Hawthorne Airport marks a pivotal moment for Archer Aviation, cementing its commitment to establishing a significant presence in the Los Angeles air mobility landscape. By integrating operations, testing, and a crucial role in one of the world’s most watched sporting events, Archer Aviation Hawthorne is positioning itself to lead the charge in the burgeoning air taxi industry, creating tangible news for the future of Los Angeles air travel and beyond. The strategic importance of the Archer Aviation Hawthorne site cannot be overstated.
