Ethiopian Airlines Signs Agreement With Archer to Deploy Midnight eVTOL Aircraft
- Joe Breitfeller
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the signing of an agreement with Archer to deploy the Midnight electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) Midnight aircraft under the ‘Launch Edition’ program.
On Thursday (March 27, 2028), Ethiopian Airlines announced the signing of a new agreement with Archer to deploy their Midnight eVTOL aircraft under the ‘Launch Edition’ program, in a deal valued at up to $30 million. Over time, both companies will work together to build an air taxi network in the region, with Archer planning to provide Ethiopian Airlines with a team of pilots, technicians and engineers. This team will support the initial deployment of these early launch edition Midnight aircraft in Ethiopia. Additionally, Archer will provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking applications to help power urban air mobility applications. Although the partners will primarily focus on developing an air taxi network, they will also explore other potential markets such as eco-tourism.
In Thursday’s announcement, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mesfin Tasew, 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.”
Also commenting on the new agreement, Archer’s 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’s General Manager – Africa, Alastair Curtis, added,
“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents a transformative step in bringing sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions to Ethiopia and the broader African market. At Archer, we’re committed to working with forward-thinking partners to unlock the potential of eVTOL technology to support the economic growth of Ethiopia. This is just the beginning of a new era of aviation for Africa.”
Archer announced the Launch Edition program in February 2025, with the goal of creating a scalable commercialization framework for the safe deployment of Midnight in early adopter markets. This will enable the company to demonstrate the capabilities of the aircraft, while driving public acceptance, building operational experience, and generating early revenue. Archer and Ethiopian Airlines formalized this partnership during a signing ceremony this week in Addis Ababa, and the partners will continue working with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to safely operationalize Midnight.
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel by replacing 60 to 90 minute commutes by car with 10 to 20 minute electric air taxi flights. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines
