Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to launch Africa’s first commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operation in 2026. The move comes after a strategic agreement with U.S.-based Archer Aviation, which will see the delivery of two Midnight eVTOL aircraft by mid-2026, with two more to follow under a USD 30 million deal announced in March this year.
According to CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele, the eVTOLs will primarily serve tourism-focused missions, such as air taxi services to government-run resorts, underscoring the airline’s intent to diversify and modernize its service offerings while positioning Ethiopia as a leader in next-generation regional mobility.
The Deal: A Strategic Leap into Advanced Air Mobility
The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, and Archer Aviation represents a pioneering leap for African aviation. The deal includes four Midnight aircraft, pilot and technician training, and infrastructure support, all aimed at launching commercial air taxi operations in the country.
The Midnight, Archer’s flagship eVTOL aircraft, is designed for rapid back-to-back flights of approximately 20-50 miles. It can carry one pilot and four passengers, has a cruise speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), and is optimized for urban and regional transport.
CEO Perspective
In comments shared with APA News, CEO Mesfin emphasized Ethiopian’s intent to use the aircraft as “short-haul connectors” for the country’s expanding domestic tourism and infrastructure network.
“We see the eVTOL as a logical evolution of our mission to link people and places across Ethiopia, especially in areas underserved by conventional transport,” said Mesfin.
He added that the airline will begin operations from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, with the first destinations planned around Bishoftu, Bale Mountains, and Awash National Park, all within a 100-kilometer radius of the capital.
Why eVTOLs? Why Now?
Ethiopian Airlines’ move into electric aviation is driven by three strategic factors:
- Tourism Development: Ethiopia has prioritized expanding its domestic and international tourism sector under its “Home Grown Economic Reform” plan. eVTOLs will allow seamless, low-cost air access to remote destinations.
- Sustainability Goals: With global aviation facing pressure to reduce emissions, Ethiopian’s adoption of electric aircraft supports the airline’s goal to reduce CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometer by 30% by 2035.
- Infrastructure Limitations: eVTOLs require minimal physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for long runways, and can operate from heliports or “vertiports,” which are easier and cheaper to build in remote areas.
About Archer Aviation’s Midnight
Archer Aviation, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, has emerged as a front-runner in the eVTOL race. Its Midnight aircraft has been cleared for early-stage FAA testing and is aiming for commercial certification by 2025, with U.S. operations expected to begin in Miami and Los Angeles in partnership with United Airlines.
Key features of Midnight include:
- Cruising Speed: 150 mph (241 km/h)
- Payload Capacity: 4 passengers + pilot
- Range: ~100 miles; optimized for 20-50 mile trips
- Recharge Time: ~10-12 minutes between flights
- Noise Level: 45 decibels at cruising altitude (80% quieter than helicopters)
While Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has yet to issue formal guidelines for eVTOL operations, Mesfin confirmed that regulatory coordination is already underway.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, several challenges could impact deployment:
- Certification & Regulation: Ethiopia must develop national safety and airspace regulations for eVTOLs. This process could be slow, though Archer has pledged to assist with compliance.
- Vertiport Infrastructure: Ethiopian Airlines will need to construct or adapt landing pads, charging stations, and maintenance hubs.
- Grid Dependence: Electric aircraft rely on stable, high-voltage power sources. Ethiopia’s infrastructure improvements must keep pace.
- Pilot Training: While the aircraft is designed for simplified piloting, operators still require specialized training in electric systems, vertical flight dynamics, and new emergency procedures.
Africa’s eVTOL Frontier
Ethiopian Airlines’ entry into the eVTOL space positions the airline, and the continent, on the cutting edge of aerospace innovation. According to Dr. Jenna Holmstrom, an African aviation strategist at the Center for Sustainable Mobility:
“Ethiopia is laying the groundwork for what could become a regional air mobility revolution in Africa. The economic and social returns from short-haul air taxis are significant, especially in countries where ground infrastructure is sparse.”
Holmstrom believes that if successful, Ethiopian’s model could be replicated across other African nations like Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa, where smart mobility startups are also emerging.
Strategic Implications for Ethiopian Airlines
The deal is also aligned with Ethiopian Airlines Group’s Vision 2035, which targets:
- A fleet of over 270 aircraft (up from 140+ in 2024)
- 200 international destinations
- Over 40 million passengers annually
By introducing eVTOLs, Ethiopian extends its multimodal transport capabilities and enhances regional mobility without the need for massive airport expansion.
This also sends a clear signal to competitors such as Kenya Airways and EgyptAir, that Ethiopian aims to lead in aviation innovation, not just scale.
Industry and Investor Sentiment
The deal has been viewed favorably by analysts and investors. Archer Aviation’s stock rose 2.5% following the announcement, with investors citing African market access as a “new growth lever.”
Meanwhile, McKinsey & Co. estimates that the global eVTOL market could reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2040, with early adopters securing major competitive advantages.
What’s Next?
- 2025 Q3: Pilot training and regulatory framework coordination
- 2025 Q4: Construction of initial vertiports near Addis Ababa and key tourist areas
- 2026 Q2: Delivery of first two Midnight aircraft
- 2026 Q3: Launch of initial eVTOL service under a separate brand (TBD)
Ethiopian Airlines is also said to be in early discussions with additional OEMs like Joby Aviation and EHang, suggesting long-term plans for a diversified electric fleet.
The upcoming arrival of eVTOL aircraft marks a pivotal moment for Ethiopian Airlines and African aviation at large. By investing early in electric air mobility, Ethiopian is not only expanding its operational frontier, it is helping shape the next generation of sustainable, accessible, and innovative air travel on the continent.
With tourism poised to be a major growth engine for Ethiopia’s economy, this strategic shift could bring high-speed connectivity to remote areas, stimulate local development, and firmly position Ethiopian Airlines at the forefront of aviation’s electric future.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 2025
