Archer Aviation has officially completed the first phase of transactions to acquire control of Hawthorne Airport, marking a significant step in establishing its operational hub in Los Angeles.
The company announced the acquisition of the master lease from the City of Hawthorne, along with associated subleases, effectively granting Archer control over the real estate comprising the 80-acre site. This move follows definitive agreements signed in early November to secure the aviation asset, which Archer views as a cornerstone for its planned air taxi network in the region. The airport is expected to play a crucial role in Archer’s operations during the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Located less than three miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hawthorne Airport offers strategic proximity to major venues such as SoFi Stadium, The Forum, the Intuit Dome, and Downtown Los Angeles. Historically known as Jack Northrop Field, the site dates back to the 1920s and includes approximately 190,000 square feet of terminal, office, and hangar facilities.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This is an important milestone as we look to build out the future of air taxis right here in LA. We are helping our great cities rethink and redefine transportation as we prepare for the next phase of modernization and growth in our country.”
Beyond its use as a transport hub, Archer plans to utilize the airport as a testbed for next-generation aviation technologies. The company intends to develop and deploy AI-powered systems for air traffic and ground operations management in collaboration with its airline and technology partners. Archer believes these innovations will enhance the value of the airport, which it describes as an already profitable enterprise with significant unrealized upside.
The company plans to complete the second phase of the transaction next year, which involves acquiring the airport’s Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) and passenger terminal. This subsequent acquisition will give Archer full control over the airport’s day-to-day operations.
