Ethiopian Airlines has signed a contract with California-based Archer Aviation to introduce an all-electric aviation taxi network in the region.
Under this agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will roll out Archer's midnight aircraft as part of the manufacturer's “released edition” program. It aims to commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft in the early recruitment market. Ethiopians are the second airline to sign up after a similar agreement with Abu Dhabi Airlines last month.
Archer's Midnight is a pilot four-seater EVTOL designed to reduce a 60-90-minute car journey to a 10-20-minute flight. It is mainly used for air taxi services, but can also support ecotourism and regional transportation.
Archer will provide Ethiopian Airlines with pilots, technicians and engineers for their initial deployment, along with software for booking and operation. The companies will work with Ethiopia's Civil Aviation Authority to integrate midnight into the national transport network.
Discussions with regulators are already underway, and Archer is widely involved via Ethiopian Airlines. Nikhil Goel, Chief Executive of Archer Aviation, is extensively engaged with ECAAs, including ECAAs, which include the director Getachew Mengistie, through their partner Ethiopian Airlines, the largest commercial officer on the continent.
The role of the Archer in the Ethiopian aviation network.
Ethiopian airlines operate primarily long-haul international routes, but airlines see midnight as a complementary solution for home and air connections.
“Ethiopian Airlines is primarily interested in air-to-air travel from home, like its existing partners, including United,” explained Goel. “For example, you can imagine an Ethiopian airline flying from Addis to London or Cape Town. One day they'll take you to Addis Airport and land and spend the middle of the night from Heathrow in London to city.
Ethiopian airlines and archers are exploring the midnight opportunity of ecotourism, beyond urban transport. Ethiopia, along with the wider African region, offers important possibilities for sustainable tourism solutions, Goel explained. He added that midnight low noise profile and sustainability are perfect for the activity.
Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, called the partnership a step towards sustainable aviation. “We are committed to pioneering advanced aviation mobility solutions that enhance connectivity in Africa and promote sustainable aviation.”
The deal reflects the growing interest in electric air taxis in the region. Ethiopian Airlines could become one of Africa's first major airlines to integrate electric taxis into its business.
