ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT FLEET IN 2026 FOR TOURISM AND AIR TAXI NETWORK

Ethiopian Airlines signs $30M deal with Archer Aviation to deploy electric planes for tourism and build Africa’s first air taxi network.

Ethiopian airlines electric planes Archer aviation deal Air taxi ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines


Ethiopian Airlines is set to receive two electric aircraft in 2026, as part of a groundbreaking $30 million agreement with U.S.-based Archer Aviation. The announcement was made by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew to newsmen on Monday.

The deal, signed on March 27, 2025, positions Ethiopian Airlines as the second global airline to partner with Archer Aviation for the deployment of electric aircraft. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will collaborate to gradually establish an air taxi network across the region. Archer is expected to support the launch by providing Ethiopian Airlines with a dedicated team of pilots, engineers, and technicians to handle the deployment of the aircraft—specifically the early launch edition Midnight models.

Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the electric planes are primarily intended to support the country's growing tourism sector. The aircraft, which are designed for short round trips ranging from 20 to 50 miles, will be used for quick regional connectivity to key tourist destinations.

This move follows last month’s announcement that Ethiopian Airlines had also acquired two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Canada to enhance domestic tourism routes. Together, these developments signal the airline’s increasing investment in sustainable aviation and regional tourism development.

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