Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines Group and Archer Aviation have signed an agreement to introduce the “Launch Edition” Midnight aircraft, marking a significant milestone in bringing advanced eVTOL technology to Ethiopia and the African continent. This partnership aims to develop an air taxi network while promoting eco-tourism.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and a member of Star Alliance, operates an extensive global network, serving over 140 international destinations across five continents. The two companies will work together to bring an all-electric air taxi network to the region using Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
Archer announced the Launch Edition program in February 2025 to create a scalable commercialization framework for safely deploying aircraft in early adopter markets. This initiative will enable the company to demonstrate the capabilities of its Midnight aircraft, drive public acceptance, build operational experience, and generate early revenue. Archer plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight ‘Launch Edition’ aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, supported by a team of Archer pilots, technicians, and engineers. Additionally, Archer will provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to support urban air mobility operations during the Launch Edition program.
While Archer and Ethiopian Airlines will primarily focus on developing an air taxi network in the region using Midnight, they are also exploring broader use cases, including eco-tourism. The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony this week in Addis Ababa. The two companies will continue working with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to efficiently and safely operationalize Midnight.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated, “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 Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said, “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, commented, “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 Attach©, U.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa, expressed, “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.”
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.