Archer Aviation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ethiopian Airlines to launch an all-electric air taxi network in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, will become the second customer to deploy Archer’s Midnight aircraft under the company’s “Launch Edition” program, which aims to revolutionize regional transportation with electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The partnership, formalized during a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa this week, will see Archer and Ethiopian Airlines work together to bring cutting-edge air mobility solutions to the African continent.
This includes the deployment of Midnight aircraft to establish an electric air taxi service, with a focus on creating sustainable and efficient transportation for urban and regional travel.
What is the Launch Edition Program?
The “Launch Edition” program, announced by Archer in February 2025, is a key initiative designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Midnight aircraft, while building public acceptance and operational experience.
Archer aims to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, with a team of Archer pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the program’s launch. This initiative will also include providing essential software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to power the air mobility operations.
Pioneering Sustainable Aviation in Africa
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions. “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,” Tasew said. “Together, we aim to redefine regional travel and create new opportunities for efficient, eco-friendly transportation.”
Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, echoed this sentiment, saying, “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, and I’m proud to be taking a big step forward here alongside Ethiopian Airlines.”
Exploring New Possibilities for Africa
While the primary focus of this partnership is to develop an air taxi network, both Archer and Ethiopian Airlines are also exploring other potential use cases for the Midnight aircraft, including eco-tourism.
This collaboration represents a transformative step for Ethiopia and the broader African market, bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to the region.
Alastair Curtis, Archer’s General Manager for Africa, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents a transformative step in bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to Ethiopia and the broader African market.”
The Future of Urban Air Mobility in Africa
Archer’s vision is to transform urban travel by replacing long car commutes with fast, safe, sustainable, and low-noise electric air taxi flights. The Midnight aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time, offering an efficient alternative to ground transportation.
With this partnership, Archer and Ethiopian Airlines are setting the stage for a new era of aviation in Africa, one that could revolutionize the way people travel and connect across the continent.
As the world looks toward the future of aviation, Archer’s commitment to making electric air taxis a reality is taking shape, starting in Africa. This partnership marks a major milestone in the development of sustainable, advanced air mobility solutions and signals the beginning of a new chapter for air travel on the continent.
