Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s Largest Carrier and a Star Alliance member, today announced the signing of an agreement with Archer Aviation, an innovative company in the field of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This ambitious collaboration aims to deploy Archer’s Midnight aircraft as part of the company’s “Launch Edition” program, marking a significant step towards establishing an electric air taxi network in Africa. The agreement is valued at up to $30 million.
This strategic partnership will see both companies working hand-in-hand to progressively build an urban air mobility network in the region. Initially, Archer plans to provide Ethiopian Airlines with an initial fleet of Midnight “Launch Edition” aircraft in Ethiopia. To support this deployment, Archer will also provide a team of experienced pilots, technicians, and engineers.
Beyond establishing an air taxi network, Ethiopian Airlines and Archer will jointly explore other potential applications for the Midnight technology, particularly in the ecotourism sector. The goal is to leverage the unique capabilities of the eVTOL aircraft to offer innovative and sustainable transportation solutions.
Ethiopian Airlines thus becomes the second customer to commit to Archer’s “Launch Edition” program, following the announcement of a similar agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation last month. This program, launched by Archer in February 2025, aims to create a scalable commercialization framework for the safe deployment of its aircraft in early adopter markets. It will enable Archer to demonstrate the capabilities of its Midnight, foster public acceptance, gain valuable operational experience, and generate early revenue.
As part of this program, Archer will also provide the backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications necessary for the operation of the urban air mobility network.
The formalization of this partnership took place during a signing ceremony this week in Addis Ababa. Both companies will continue to collaborate closely with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to ensure the efficient and safe operationalization of the Midnight aircraft.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said, “We are determined to be pioneers in advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and promote sustainable aviation in Africa. Our partnership with Archer Aviation marks an important step in introducing cutting-edge eVTOL technology to Ethiopia. Together, we aim to redefine regional travel and create new opportunities for efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.”
Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, added, “Last month, we announced Abu Dhabi Aviation as our first ‘Launch Edition’ customer – today, we are building on that momentum with Ethiopian Airlines. Africa represents an untapped opportunity in advanced air mobility, with a variety of compelling use cases that we will explore together, and I am proud to take a significant step forward here alongside Ethiopian Airlines.”
Alastair Curtis, General Manager, Africa, at Archer, emphasized, “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 are 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, commented, “American aviation companies have repeatedly highlighted the best of American quality and innovation, and we are delighted with the opportunity for Archer to have 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 car commutes with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, quiet, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. The 1 Archer Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.
