Ethiopian Airlines Partners Archer Aviation to Launch All-Electric Air Taxi Network in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to deploy Archer’s Midnight aircraft under the “Launch Edition” programme, a landmark move set to revolutionise regional air travel.
This makes Ethiopian Airlines the second customer globally to adopt Archer’s cutting-edge electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, following Abu Dhabi Aviation’s similar deal last month. The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony held this week in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and a member of the Star Alliance, operates an expansive network of over 140 international destinations across five continents.
Through this collaboration, Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation aim to establish an all-electric air taxi network in Ethiopia, offering fast, sustainable, and cost-effective urban air mobility solutions.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft is designed to transform urban travel by replacing lengthy car commutes of 60–90 minutes with swift 10–20-minute air taxi flights.
The Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft capable of performing rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time, ensuring both efficiency and sustainability.
Archer announced its Launch Edition programme in February 2025 as a scalable framework for commercialising eVTOL technology in early adopter markets.
The initiative aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Midnight aircraft, foster public acceptance, build operational experience, and generate early revenue.
As part of the programme, Archer will provide Ethiopian Airlines with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial deployment.
Additionally, Archer will supply backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to enable seamless urban air mobility operations.
While the primary focus will be on developing an air taxi network, both companies are exploring broader applications for the Midnight aircraft, including eco-tourism.
Archer and Ethiopian Airlines will work closely with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to ensure the efficient and safe introduction of the Midnight into Ethiopia’s airspace.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating:
“We are committed to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and drive sustainable aviation in Africa. Our partnership with Archer Aviation marks an important step in bringing cutting-edge eVTOL technology to Ethiopia. Together, we aim to redefine regional travel and create new opportunities for efficient, eco-friendly transportation.”
Adam Goldstein, Archer Founder and CEO, emphasised the potential for advanced air mobility in Africa, noting:
“Last month we announced Abu Dhabi Aviation as our first Launch Edition customer—today we’re following that up with our second, Ethiopian Airlines. Africa presents an untapped opportunity with regards to advanced air mobility, with a variety of compelling use cases that we’ll be exploring together, and I’m proud to be taking a big step forward here alongside Ethiopian Airlines.”
Alastir Curtis, General Manager, Africa, at Archer, described the partnership as a transformative step for the African market, saying:
“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents a transformative step in bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to Ethiopia and the broader African market. At Archer, we’re committed to working with forward-thinking partners to unlock the potential of eVTOL technology to support the economic growth of Ethiopia. This is just the beginning of a new era of aviation for Africa.”
Nathan Stickney, Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, underscored the significance of the agreement, stating:
“U.S. aviation companies have time and again highlighted the best of American quality and innovation, and we’re excited at the opportunity for Archer to make an impact in the region while making America more prosperous through its new agreement with Ethiopian Airlines.”
This agreement marks a significant step toward modernising regional travel in Africa, as Ethiopian Airlines positions itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation.
The introduction of electric air taxis is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and contribute to Ethiopia’s economic growth, heralding a new chapter in African aviation.
