Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Archer Aviation, a U.S.-based company focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership, announced today in Addis Ababa, outlines plans to deploy Archer's "Midnight" aircraft under the "Launch Edition" program, valued at up to $30 million, to establish an air taxi network across the region.
The collaboration will see the two companies work towards building a comprehensive air taxi network in Africa, with Archer providing Ethiopian Airlines with a dedicated team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial rollout of the early "Launch Edition" Midnight aircraft in Ethiopia. While the primary focus will be on urban air mobility, the partnership will also explore other potential applications for the eVTOL technology, including eco-tourism ventures.
This agreement marks Ethiopian Airlines as the second customer for Archer's "Launch Edition" program, following a similar announcement with Abu Dhabi Aviation last month. Ethiopian Airlines, a prominent member of the Star Alliance, boasts an extensive global network connecting over 140 international destinations across five continents, making it an ideal partner to introduce this innovative transportation solution to the African market.
The "Launch Edition" program, unveiled by Archer in February 2025, aims to create a scalable framework for the safe and efficient commercialization 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 program, Archer will not only supply the initial fleet of Midnight aircraft but also provide the necessary backend software infrastructure and user-friendly front-end booking applications to power the urban air mobility operations.
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 safe and efficient operationalization of the Midnight aircraft within Ethiopian airspace.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, 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, founder and CEO of Archer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the African market. “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 for Africa at Archer, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership for the continent. "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, also lauded 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.”
Archer's Midnight aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charging time in between. The company aims to revolutionize urban travel by replacing lengthy 60–90-minute car commutes with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation.