The airline’s Chief Executive, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, confirmed that the aircraft will be used mainly for short tourism routes, offering round trips between 20 and 50 miles.
This development makes Ethiopian Airlines the second airline globally to partner with United States based Archer Aviation, the manufacturer of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. United Airlines has already placed an order for ten of these aircraft, marking a growing trend in the industry.
Aviation specialist and South Africa Flyer editor Guy Leitch says electric planes remain largely experimental, with commercial use still in the early stages. “These aircraft aren’t yet common in aviation. Certification is a long and complicated process, often taking five to ten years,” he explained. Leitch added that Ethiopian Airlines could benefit from more flexible local regulations to get these aircraft in the skies sooner.
The electric planes, known as the Archer Midnight model, are designed for short urban journeys and will seat four passengers and a pilot. Their compact size and design, similar to helicopters but with several smaller propellers, make them suitable for quick connections between key locations.
Leitch believes part of the motivation for the purchase is the construction of a new airport outside Addis Ababa, located about 45 kilometres from the city. The electric aircraft could offer a fast and convenient option for travellers moving between the capital and the new airport hub.
Charging infrastructure is not expected to be a major obstacle. “Fast-charging technology is already widely used in electric vehicles, so applying similar systems for aircraft should be possible,” Leitch said. He noted that recharging times are likely to be around 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring quick turnarounds.
There are, however, limitations to the aircraft. Battery range, weather conditions, and the need for reserve power reduce the practical flight distance. Some operators may even opt for battery-swapping to reduce downtime.
Despite these factors, Ethiopian Airlines is going ahead with the project, with reports indicating a $30 million investment. “It’s a sizeable amount, but Ethiopian is one of the most profitable airlines in Africa,” said Leitch. “This move aligns with their long-standing strategy to be an industry leader, even if the returns are more reputational than financial in the short term.”
Ethiopian’s decision to invest in electric aircraft could influence other African airlines in the coming years. However, large-scale adoption of battery-powered aircraft across the region is unlikely to happen quickly. “It will take time for the technology to mature and gain regulatory approval, but we could see significant changes in five to ten years,” Leitch added.
--ChannelAfrica--
