ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES PARTNERS WITH ARCHER FOR ELECTRIC AIR TAXI DEPLOYMENT

Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation have announced a collaborative agreement under Archer’s “Launch Edition” program, positioning the airline as the second customer to deploy Archer’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa and a Star Alliance member with a network spanning over 140 international destinations across five continents, will partner with Archer to establish an all-electric air taxi network in the region utilizing the Midnight aircraft.

Launched in February 2025, Archer’s “Launch Edition” program aims to create a scalable framework for the safe commercial deployment of its aircraft in early adopter markets. This initiative will allow Archer to showcase the capabilities of its Midnight aircraft, foster public acceptance, gain crucial operational experience, and generate early revenue streams.

As part of the initial deployment, Archer intends to provide Ethiopian Airlines with a fleet of Midnight “Launch Edition” aircraft, supported by a team of Archer pilots, technicians, and engineers. Furthermore, Archer will supply the necessary backend software infrastructure and user-friendly front-end booking applications to facilitate urban air mobility operations during this initial phase of the program.

While the primary focus of the collaboration between Archer and Ethiopian Airlines will be the development of an air taxi network using the Midnight aircraft, the two companies are also exploring the potential for broader applications, including eco-tourism initiatives within the region.

The partnership was officially formalized during a signing ceremony held in Addis Ababa this week. Both companies will now work closely with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to ensure the efficient and safe operationalization of the Midnight aircraft within Ethiopian airspace.

Mesfin Tasew, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the airline’s commitment to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and promote sustainable aviation across Africa. He stated that the partnership with Archer Aviation signifies a significant step towards introducing cutting-edge eVTOL technology to Ethiopia, with the joint aim of redefining regional travel and creating new opportunities for efficient and eco-friendly transportation.

Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, highlighted the significance of this second “Launch Edition” customer, following the recent announcement with Abu Dhabi Aviation. He emphasized Africa’s untapped potential in the advanced air mobility sector, citing various compelling use cases that will be explored in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines. Goldstein expressed his pride in taking this significant step forward alongside Africa’s largest carrier.

Alastir Curtis, Archer’s General Manager for Africa, described the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines as a transformative step in bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to Ethiopia and the wider African market. He affirmed Archer’s commitment to working with forward-thinking partners to unlock the potential of eVTOL technology in support of Ethiopia’s economic growth, viewing this as the beginning of a new era for aviation in Africa.

Echoing this sentiment, Nathan Stickney, the Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, lauded the agreement as an example of American quality and innovation making a positive impact in the region while fostering economic prosperity for the United States.

Archer’s overarching goal is to revolutionize urban travel by replacing lengthy 60–90-minute car commutes with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights. The company emphasizes that these flights will be safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive with existing ground transportation options. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger vehicle specifically designed for rapid, back-to-back trips with minimal charging time required between flights.