Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation Forge Partnership to Launch eVTOL Air Taxi Services in Africa
In a groundbreaking development for advanced air mobility in Africa, Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has signed an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, making the carrier the second official customer of Archer’s Midnight aircraft under the “Launch Edition” program. This collaboration is set to revolutionize transportation in Ethiopia and beyond by introducing a fleet of all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to provide efficient, eco-friendly, and rapid air taxi services.
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa and a key member of the Star Alliance network, serves more than 140 international destinations across five continents. Through this partnership, Ethiopian Airlines and Archer aim to establish a scalable urban air mobility framework that will not only showcase the capabilities of the Midnight aircraft but also pave the way for public adoption of eVTOL technology, operational experience, and early revenue generation.
A New Era of Air Mobility in Africa
Archer launched the “Launch Edition” program in February 2025 with the objective of safely commercializing its Midnight aircraft in key early adopter markets. As part of the agreement, Archer will deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines and provide a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the rollout. Additionally, Archer will supply backend software infrastructure and booking applications to facilitate seamless operations.
While the primary goal of the partnership is to establish a robust air taxi network in Ethiopia, both companies are also exploring additional applications for Midnight, such as eco-tourism and logistics. With its ability to replace long car commutes with quick air travel, the Midnight aircraft could significantly enhance regional connectivity.
Official Signing Ceremony and Regulatory Considerations
This landmark agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation will continue working closely with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to ensure a smooth regulatory process for the operationalization of Midnight.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed optimism about 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.”
Archer’s CEO and Founder, Adam Goldstein, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the untapped potential for eVTOL solutions in Africa. “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.”
A Transformative Step for Sustainable Aviation
As part of its commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility, Archer envisions replacing conventional 60- to 90-minute car commutes with 10- to 20-minute electric air taxi flights. Designed for safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft optimized for rapid, back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.
Alastair Curtis, Archer’s General Manager for Africa, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “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. 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 impact of Archer’s entry into the African market. “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.”
Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision for Green Aviation
For nearly eight decades, Ethiopian Airlines has played a crucial role in shaping Africa’s aviation landscape. As part of its long-term sustainability goals, the airline has continuously invested in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and eco-friendly initiatives. This partnership with Archer aligns perfectly with Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technology adoption.
By integrating eVTOL aircraft into its network, Ethiopian Airlines aims to redefine regional connectivity, offering faster and more sustainable alternatives to traditional ground transportation. This move could significantly impact urban congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and provide new economic opportunities across the continent.
About Archer Aviation
Archer Aviation is at the forefront of designing and developing advanced air mobility solutions, focusing on key enabling technologies that will shape the future of aviation. The company is dedicated to building eVTOL aircraft that enhance urban transportation, making it safer, faster, and more sustainable. More details about Archer Aviation can be found at www.archer.com.
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Group is Africa’s largest and most successful airline, serving as a global connectivity leader for the continent. Committed to sustainability, Ethiopian Airlines continuously invests in modern aviation technology, fuel-efficient aircraft, and green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. More information is available at www.ethiopianairlines.com.
The agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation marks a pivotal moment for the future of urban air mobility in Africa. By deploying Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, the partnership not only sets the stage for a revolutionary air taxi network but also underscores the growing importance of sustainable aviation solutions. As Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation work together to operationalize eVTOL technology, Africa moves one step closer to an era of cleaner, faster, and more efficient air travel.