Ethiopian Airlines new electric 'air taxi' service

Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation that could pave the way for an all-electric air taxi network across the region

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.

The initial deal will see the deployment of a fleet of so-called ‘Midnight’ aircraft to Africa’s largest carrier, under Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ programme valued at up to US$30mn.

Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.

The companies will work together to over time build the air taxi network, with Archer providing the airline with a team of pilots, technicians and engineers, plus backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications.

“We are committed to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and drive sustainable aviation in Africa,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

“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.”

An electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft typically uses electric power to hover, take off and land vertically.

Archer announced its Launch Edition programme in February 2025 in an effort to create a scalable commercialisation framework for safely deploying its aircraft in early adopter markets, enabling it to demonstrate the capabilities of its Midnight aircraft and drive public acceptance.

It will now work with Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority to safely operationalise Midnight.

“Last month we announced Abu Dhabi Aviation as our first Launch Edition customer — today we’re following that up with our second, Ethiopian Airlines,” said Archer’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.

“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 alongside Ethiopian Airlines.”

As well as faster commuting, the hope is to explore other use cases as well, such as eco-tourism.

“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents a transformative step in bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to Ethiopia and the broader African market,” said Alastair Curtis, Archer’s general manager for Africa.

“We’re 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.”

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