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Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) continues its assertive push toward commercializing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking another significant milestone with a newly announced partnership. This new agreement expands Archer’s innovative “Launch Edition” program into the African continent, demonstrating the global appeal of its urban air mobility solutions.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of other strategic advancements, including a key technology partnership with Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR). However, this positive operational momentum is unfolding against a backdrop of considerable market volatility for Archer’s stock, which experienced notable declines in late March and early April 2025.
Ethiopian Airlines Joins “Launch Edition”
Archer Aviation has secured a significant agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier. This makes Ethiopian Airlines the second major customer for Archer’s “Launch Edition” program. This program is Archer’s strategic approach to deploying its Midnight eVTOL aircraft in key international markets before full FAA-type certification in the U.S.
The primary goal is to gain practical operational experience, establish essential infrastructure, develop local expertise, and potentially generate early revenue while showcasing the viability of electric air taxi services.
The agreement with Ethiopian Airlines outlines a plan to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft within Ethiopia. The deal, valued at up to $30 million for this first phase, aims to establish an all-electric air taxi network, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing urban transportation within the region.
Archer is committed to providing comprehensive support, including trained pilots, maintenance technicians, and engineers, to ensure a smooth and safe initial operational ramp-up. In addition to the aircraft, the company will also supply this support.
Furthermore, Archer will supply the necessary backend software infrastructure and a user-friendly front-end booking application to power the new air taxi service. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the partnership is a key step in bringing cutting-edge eVTOL technology to Ethiopia and enhancing connectivity sustainably. Beyond urban air mobility, the partnership also explores potential applications for the Midnight aircraft in areas like ecotourism, showcasing the technology’s versatility.
Securing a partnership with a major flag carrier like Ethiopian Airlines significantly validates Archer’s aircraft and business model, demonstrating tangible progress in executing its global expansion strategy and tapping into the substantial yet largely undeveloped African market for advanced air mobility.
Stock Volatility, Insider Sales, and Institutional Context
Despite positive news from the Ethiopian Airlines deal and the Palantir partnership, Archer Aviation’s stock dropped by roughly 20% in late March 2025. This decline highlights the difficulties faced by pre-revenue growth companies in the current market, which is affected by broader market anxieties and risk-off sentiment. Concerns over new tariffs, weakening consumer sentiment, and lingering recession fears are contributing to the challenging market conditions.
Archer’s insider selling activity, particularly by company executives on March 31, 2025, to cover tax withholding obligations associated with vesting restricted stock units, added to the market noise. Although different from discretionary selling, these transactions, along with others earlier in March, contributed to a significant volume of shares sold by insiders over the past year. High volumes of insider selling, regardless of the reason, can sometimes create negative pressure on stock prices.
In contrast, more recent ownership filings revealed underlying institutional sentiment, with substantial position increases by major institutions and significant new stakes initiated by others. This indicates that before the recent market turbulence, sophisticated, long-term investors were actively accumulating shares, suggesting a strong belief in Archer’s fundamental value. Approximately 59% of institutional ownership further confirms significant backing from these large players.
