Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has signed an agreement with U.S.-based Archer Aviation to deploy electric air taxis in Ethiopia. The deal, valued at up to $30 million under Archer’s “Launch Edition” program, marks a significant step toward bringing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the African continent.
This makes Ethiopian Airlines the second customer planning to deploy Archer’s Midnight aircraft, following Abu Dhabi Aviation’s recent agreement. The partnership aims to create an air taxi network that could transform urban mobility in the region by replacing hour-long car commutes with 10-20 minute electric flights.
“We are committed to pioneering advanced air mobility solutions that enhance connectivity and drive sustainable aviation in Africa,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Our partnership with Archer Aviation marks an important step in bringing cutting-edge eVTOL technology to Ethiopia.”
As part of the agreement, Archer will provide Ethiopian Airlines with pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial deployment. The company will also supply the software infrastructure and booking applications needed for operations.
While the primary focus is developing an air taxi network, both companies are also exploring other potential uses for the Midnight aircraft, including eco-tourism opportunities.
The four-passenger Midnight aircraft is designed for quick back-to-back trips with minimal charging time between flights. This makes it suitable for urban environments where rapid turnaround is essential.
Ethiopian Airlines operates an extensive global network serving over 140 international destinations across five continents, positioning it well to integrate this new technology into its existing operations.
The two companies will work with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. However, specific details about regulatory approvals, vertiport locations, and infrastructure development remain limited in the current announcement.
This partnership follows growing global interest in electric air taxis. Abu Dhabi recently announced plans to become the first city in the Middle East to launch such services, with test flights expected in the coming months.
Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein noted: “Africa presents an untapped opportunity with regards to advanced air mobility, with a variety of compelling use cases that we’ll be exploring together.”
The introduction of electric air taxis could potentially reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional helicopters and ground transportation, contributing to sustainable urban mobility in Ethiopia and eventually across the African continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are electric air taxis and how do they work?
Electric air taxis (also called eVTOLs or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) are small electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically like helicopters but fly horizontally like airplanes. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a four-passenger eVTOL that uses electric motors and batteries instead of combustion engines, making it quieter and producing zero direct emissions. These vehicles are designed for short urban trips, taking passengers above traffic congestion for faster travel times.
How much will an air taxi ride cost in Ethiopia?
Specific pricing for the Ethiopian air taxi service hasn’t been announced yet. However, the goal of companies like Archer Aviation is to eventually make air taxi services cost-competitive with premium ground transportation options like rideshare services. Initially, prices may be higher as the service launches and establishes operations, but are expected to decrease as the technology matures and becomes more widespread.
When will the air taxi service begin operating in Ethiopia?
The exact launch date for the air taxi service in Ethiopia hasn’t been announced. The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Archer Aviation is in its early stages, with the agreement recently signed. Before operations can begin, regulatory approvals must be secured, infrastructure like vertiports must be built, and pilots must be trained. Similar projects in other regions are aiming for initial operations within the next 1-2 years, but timelines depend on many factors including regulatory processes.
Are electric air taxis safe for passengers?
Safety is the top priority for air taxi manufacturers and operators. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is being designed to meet stringent aviation safety standards and will require certification from aviation authorities before carrying passengers. The aircraft features multiple redundant systems, meaning if one component fails, backup systems ensure continued safe operation. Additionally, the aircraft will initially be operated by professional pilots trained specifically for these vehicles. Extensive testing is conducted before any new aircraft type can carry passengers commercially.
How far can these electric air taxis fly on a single charge?
While the specific range for the Midnight aircraft in Ethiopian operations hasn’t been detailed, Archer has designed their air taxis for urban and regional trips rather than long-distance travel. Generally, eVTOL aircraft like the Midnight are being developed to travel distances of approximately 20-60 miles (32-96 kilometers) on a single charge. They’re optimized for quick trips within and between urban areas, with the ability to recharge quickly between flights for continuous operation throughout the day.
Where will the air taxis take off and land in Ethiopian cities?
The air taxis will use dedicated facilities called vertiports – specialized landing pads with charging infrastructure and passenger facilities. These vertiports will likely be strategically located in high-traffic areas, business districts, airports, and potentially tourist destinations. The exact locations of these vertiports in Ethiopian cities haven’t been announced yet, but Ethiopian Airlines and Archer will be working with local authorities to determine the most beneficial locations for their network. Unlike helicopters, eVTOLs are designed to be quieter and more environmentally friendly, potentially allowing vertiports to be placed in more urban settings.
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Sonali Tiwary
