Airline CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele confirmed that the aircraft will be used primarily for short tourist routes, offering roundtrip between 20 and 50 miles.
The development will make Ethiopian airlines the second global airline to partner with US-based Archer Airlines, a manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. United Airlines has already ordered 10 of these aircraft, indicating a growing trend in the industry.
Gai Luich, an aviation specialist and South African flyer editor, says electric planes remain largely experimental, and commercial applications are still experimental, even in their early stages. “These aircraft are not yet common in aviation. Certification is a long and complicated process, often taking five to ten years,” he explained. Leitch added that Ethiopian airlines can benefit from more flexible local regulations and get these aircraft to the air soon.
The electric plane, known as the Archer Midnight model, is designed for short city trips, taking four passengers and one pilot by storm. It is similar to a helicopter, but its compact size and design with several small propellers makes it suitable for quick connections between major locations.
Leitch believes that part of the motivation for the purchase is the construction of a new airport outside Addis Ababa, located about 45km from the city. Electric aircraft can provide travelers traveling between the capital and the new airport hub with quick and convenient options.
Charging infrastructure is not expected to be a major obstacle. “Fast charging technology is already widely used in electric vehicles, so it is possible to apply similar systems to aircraft,” Leitch said. He said the charging time is likely to be around 30-45 minutes and is likely to ensure a quick turnaround.
However, there are restrictions on aircraft. Battery range, weather conditions and the need for reserve will reduce actual flight distance. Some operators can also choose to swap battery to reduce downtime.
Despite these factors, Ethiopian Airlines is moving forward with the project, and the report shows an investment of $30 million. “A significant amount, but Ethiopians are one of the most profitable airlines in Africa,” says Leitch. “This move is consistent with long-standing strategies and strategies to become industry leaders, even if returns are more popular than finance in the short term.”
Ethiopia's decision to invest in electrical aircraft could have an impact on other African aviation over the next few years. However, large-scale adoption of battery-powered aircraft across the region is unlikely to happen anytime soon. “It takes time for technology to mature and get regulatory approval, but there can be significant changes over the course of five to ten years,” added Leitch.
-channelafrica–
