Ethiopian Airlines Group and Archer Aviation have signed an agreement to introduce Archer’s "Launch Edition" Midnight aircraft, a groundbreaking step in bringing electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technology to Ethiopia and the wider African continent. The collaboration aims to develop an air taxi network and promote eco-tourism.As Africa’s largest carrier and a member of Star Alliance, Ethiopian Airlines operates an expansive global network, serving over 140 destinations. The partnership will see the airline deploy Archer's Midnight aircraft, an all-electric, piloted, four-passenger vehicle designed for quick, efficient travel. Archer plans to deploy its fleet of Midnight aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, supported by a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers. The collaboration also includes software and booking systems to facilitate seamless urban air mobility operations.The Launch Edition program, announced by Archer in February 2025, will focus on demonstrating the capabilities of the Midnight aircraft and establishing a scalable framework for commercial use in early adopter markets. While the initial focus will be on air taxis, the two companies are also exploring eco-tourism applications for the aircraft.The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa, with both companies working closely with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safe and efficient operations. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed the airline’s commitment to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions, while Archer CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted Africa's untapped potential for advanced air mobility. (ICE ADDIS ABEBA)

Fonte notizia: Ethiopian News Agency