Ethiopian Airlines Eyes Purchase of Up to 50 Narrowbody Aircraft

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Ethiopian Airlines is in the final stages of finalizing an order for up to 50 commercial narrowbodies, a strategic move designed to modernize its fleet and consolidate its operational dominance across the African connectivity network.

Technical Evaluation and Fleet Diversification

The state-owned carrier is rigorously evaluating the firm purchase of 25 single-aisle aircraft, while considering options to secure additional units. According to statements from Lemma Yadecha, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, the shortlist under technical and financial analysis includes:

The smallest variant of the Boeing 737 MAX family.
Next-generation regional jets from Brazilian airframer Embraer.
The Airbus A220 single-aisle model.

This potential contract award to Airbus or Embraer would mark a significant diversification and expansion of relations with these manufacturers, breaking away from Boeing’s historical dominance within the African operator’s fleet.

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Expansion in the Cargo and Logistics Segment

In tandem with its passenger segment plans, the airline is closing in on a strategic decision to incorporate up to 16 freighters—a commercial package that includes eight purchase rights.

This decision aligns with the company’s fleet renewal strategy, which aims to maintain an average overall fleet age of no more than eight years. Executive leadership has placed special emphasis on the urgency of securing delivery slots due to high saturation in the logistics market and increasingly tight delivery availability across global production lines for the coming years.

Ethiopian’s Current Fleet Structure

Currently, Ethiopia’s flag carrier operates a fleet of approximately 170 aircraft, distributed under the following inventory parameters:

More than 100 aircraft consisting of Boeing 737, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 models.
26 Airbus A350 units.
Several dozen turboprops for regional routes.

Additionally, the airline currently holds a firm order book exceeding 60 aircraft with Boeing.

Immediate Outlook and Farnborough Announcements

The airline’s management is currently executing the definitive technical and financial evaluation regarding budgets and quotes from the OEMs. According to the company’s CCO, the final verdict will be reached in the coming weeks.

This strategic timeframe would allow the carrier to make the formal order announcement during the Farnborough Airshow, scheduled to kick off next week in the United Kingdom.