Ethiopian Airlines has signed a groundbreaking contract with Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) to deploy midnight on Archer's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft.
This is under Archer's recently announced “start version” program.
Valued up to $30 million, the deal aims to establish the country's first electric taxi network.
Archer provides Ethiopian airlines with a dedicated team of pilots, technicians and engineers, supporting the launch phase along with booking applications and backend software for operation.
“We are pleased to announce that we are pleased to announce that we are a great place to go,” said Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
“We are committed to pioneering advanced aviation mobility solutions that enhance connectivity in Africa and promote sustainable aviation.”
The collaboration will include exploring widespread midnight use cases, including ecotourism and short-distance local flights, as well as placing Ethiopia at the forefront of green aviation innovation in Africa.
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein emphasizes the importance of this partnership. “Africa presents an untapped opportunity for advanced aviation mobility and is proud to take this step with Ethiopian Airlines.”
This announcement follows Archer's February 2025 launch of the “Launch Edition” program. It aims to introduce scalable commercialization of EVTOL aircraft in the early recruitment market.
Ethiopian Airlines became the second partner in the programme after Abu Dhabi Airlines.
mg/as/apa
