Ethiopian Airlines opens pathway to launch eVTOL travel with Archer Aviation

Ethiopian Airlines and the electrical vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation have signed an agreement that could see the carrier launch air taxi travel in the future. 

On March 27, 2025, Archer Aviation announced that a contract with Africa’s largest airline had been signed to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft in the Ethiopian region.  

The $30 million agreement forms part of Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ program, designed to “create a scalable commercialization framework for safely deploying aircraft in early adopter markets”. 

Along with a team of Archer pilots, technicians and engineers to support the initial deployment, the overall objective is to “demonstrate the capabilities of its Midnight aircraft, drive public acceptance, build operational experience and generate early revenue”. 

“While Archer and Ethiopian Airlines will primarily focus on developing an air taxi network in the region using Midnight, the two are also exploring using Midnight for a broader range of use cases, including eco-tourism,” a spokesperson for Archer Aviation said.  

Archer will also provide Ethiopian Airlines with back-end software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to enable operational functionality. 

The two companies met this week in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to sign the agreement and both parties will work with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) on regulatory issues.  

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.”  

Spring vibes. pic.twitter.com/nBOf3cZSTW— Archer (@ArcherAviation) March 6, 2025 Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) will be Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, with plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft beginning later this year. 

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.” 

Archer is currently developing its Midnight eVTOL, a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.  

Archer Aviation announced on February 18, 2025, that it had received its Part 141 certificate from the FAA, signifying that it is a formally recognized and regulated institution for pilot training.   

The latest certificate follows its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA in June 2024 and its Part 145 certification in February 2024.    

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