Archer Aviation (ACHR) has filed its Form 8-K to formalize the closing of the first phase of its planned acquisition of Hawthorne Airport, a commercial site in Los Angeles. The company now holds the master lease and related subleases for the airport property, giving it full control of the location. This step is part of Archer’s strategy to build out infrastructure for its planned air taxi operations in the region.
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The company expects the site to become a central hub for its upcoming flying vehicle network. The airport sits just under three miles from the Los Angeles International Airport and is near several high-traffic venues. These include SoFi Stadium (SOFI), the Intuit Dome, and Downtown Los Angeles. Archer stated it plans to make the airport part of its operations for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition, Archer believes the airport is already a profitable asset. It sees more potential value over time. The company also noted that it will seek full ownership of the airport’s fixed-base operator and passenger terminal as part of a second phase of the deal. That step is expected sometime in 2026.
In the meantime, ACHR shares dropped 3.01% on Wednesday, closing at $8.37.
Stock Registration Linked to Overair Deal
Separately, Archer filed a prospectus supplement to register the resale of 1,174,453 shares of Class A common stock. These shares were originally issued to a selling stockholder under a purchase agreement dated November 18, 2025. The transaction related to Archer’s acquisition of certain intellectual property and engineering assets from Overair, a developer in the same aviation field.
The registration allows the selling stockholder to resell its shares over time. Archer will not receive proceeds from these sales. The offering was made under a shelf registration that Archer filed earlier in the year. The company’s legal counsel, Fenwick & West LLP, provided an opinion that the shares are valid and fully paid.
The asset deal with Overair is part of Archer’s broader plan to strengthen its technology portfolio. The company has also made other recent acquisitions, including a patent portfolio and a composites manufacturer.
Key Background
Archer is working to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles to market. Its main aircraft, called Midnight, is currently under development. The company has outlined plans to launch services in select U.S. cities and also in the United Arab Emirates.
To support its launch goals, Archer has been involved with regulators and defense programs. It is taking part in the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime effort and the White House’s air mobility integration initiative. Archer was also named the official air taxi partner for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Investors may see the airport deal as a sign of execution progress, especially ahead of key launch targets. While Archer still faces approval and certification hurdles, physical control of an airport near Los Angeles may help the company meet its stated timeline.
Archer Aviation Stock a Good Buy?
Despite volatility in Archer’s shares in 2025, Street analysts remain optimistic about the company’s prospects. Based on six recent ratings, Archer Aviation boasts a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average ACHR stock price target of $12.17. This implies a 45.40% upside from the current price.
