Ethiopian Airlines to roll out Africa’s first Air Taxi network | Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation are set to deploy an all-electric air taxi network in the East Africa region, utilising Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
The companies will collaborate to establish an air taxi network in the region over time, with Archer planning to provide Ethiopian Airlines with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial deployment of the early launch edition Midnight aircraft in Ethiopia.
Archer also plans to provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to help power urban air mobility operations during the Launch Edition program.
While the two companies will primarily focus on developing an air taxi network in the region, they will also explore other use cases, including eco-tourism.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.
The agreement signed in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, under Archer’s “Launch Edition” program valued at up to US$30M, the two companies will continue working with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to efficiently and safely operationalise Midnight.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: “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, said: “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.”
“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,” said Nathan Stickney, Commercial Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa.
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.
Ethiopian Airlines to roll out Africa’s first Air Taxi network | AviationGhana
