ELECTRIC air taxis could soon be flying over African skies, as Ethiopian Airlines teams up with US-based Archer Aviation to launch an all-electric urban air mobility network. The agreement makes Ethiopian the second customer in Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ programme, unveiled in February 2025, as the aviation startup pushes forward with its next-generation Midnight aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most globally connected carrier, will work closely with Archer to bring sustainable, short-distance air travel to the region. The collaboration aims to develop a scalable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network, beginning in Ethiopia and potentially expanding into broader markets.
‘We are committed to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and drive sustainable aviation in Africa,’ said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
Bringing eVTOLs to Africa’s skies
The partnership is centred around Archer’s ‘Midnight’—a four-passenger, piloted electric aircraft designed for rapid trips with minimal downtime between charges. With flight durations of 10 to 20 minutes, Midnight is pitched as a faster, quieter, and greener alternative to the long, congested commutes by road.
Ethiopian Airlines will receive an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft, supported by Archer’s pilots, engineers, and technical crew. Archer will also provide backend software infrastructure and user-facing booking apps to support the early phases of urban air taxi operations.
The aim is to demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities, build public confidence, and generate early revenue while safely scaling up operations under the Launch Edition programme.
Expanding use cases beyond air taxis
While the immediate goal is to launch an urban air taxi network, both Archer and Ethiopian Airlines are also exploring how eVTOLs can support eco-tourism and other regional services.
This week’s signing ceremony in Addis Ababa marks the start of regulatory coordination with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), as both sides look to integrate these new aircraft into the national airspace safely.
‘Africa presents an untapped opportunity for advanced air mobility,’ said Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. ‘We’re proud to take this next step with Ethiopian Airlines.’
A new era of aviation in Africa
For Archer, this partnership follows its first Launch Edition agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation, announced in February. Now, with Ethiopian Airlines onboard, Archer is expanding its international footprint while spotlighting Africa as a key growth market for its technology.
‘This is just the beginning of a new era of aviation for Africa,’ said Alastair Curtis, Archer’s General Manager for Africa.
The US Embassy in Addis Ababa also welcomed the development. Nathan Stickney, Commercial Attaché, noted the partnership as a sign of ‘American quality and innovation’ being exported to support regional growth and sustainability.
Archer’s broader mission is to transform how people move through cities by offering fast, clean, and cost-effective alternatives to ground transport. Midnight is designed with safety and efficiency at its core—ready to take off into Africa’s future.
