Ethiopian Nears Major Aircraft Order as Expansion Gathers Pace

Africa's largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is preparing for yet another major fleet decision as it pushes ahead with one of the most ambitious expansion plans in global aviation.

The airline is evaluating new narrowbody aircraft from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. According to Bloomberg, the carrier is considering an order for 25 aircraft, with options for 10 additional jets.

Speaking to journalists on 12 July 2026 during the launch of Ethiopian Airlines' new passenger service to Mauritius, its Chief Commercial Officer, Lemma Yadecha, confirmed that the airline is close to finalising its evaluation.

The aircraft under consideration include Boeing's smallest 737 MAX variant, Airbus' A220 and Embraer's E-Jets. Although Bloomberg did not specify the Embraer and Boeing models, it is believed to be the E195-E2 and the yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 MAX 7. Ethiopian Airlines already operates the larger 737 MAX 8 version.

The potential order follows reports in May that Ethiopian Airlines was studying the Airbus A220 as part of its future fleet strategy. Currently, Ethiopia Airlines does not operate the A220 aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines is also reviewing its cargo fleet. According to Yadecha, the airline is nearing a decision on an order for 16 freighter aircraft, with options for 8 more. The order is believed to be for the Boeing 777-8F and/or the A350F from Airbus.

Both the passenger and cargo fleet decisions are expected within weeks, raising the possibility of an announcement during the Farnborough International Airshow.

The planned acquisition fits into Ethiopian Airlines' wider strategy of strengthening its position as Africa's leading aviation hub and one of the world's fastest-growing network carriers.

Construction is already underway on the US$12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, a new four-runway airport that will significantly increase Addis Ababa's capacity and support the airline's long-term growth plans.

Ethiopian Airlines remains one of Boeing's largest customers in Africa, with around 50 Boeing aircraft currently in service. Its Airbus fleet comprises 22 A350-900s and four A350-1000s, while it does not currently operate any Embraer aircraft.

The airline has also continued to expand its regional fleet. At the 2025 Paris Air Show, De Havilland Canada announced an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. The first of those aircraft was delivered last month.

Whichever manufacturer secures the new narrowbody order, the decision will mark another important milestone in Ethiopian Airlines' long-term growth journey. More importantly, it will reinforce the carrier's position as Africa's strategic benchmark for sustainable airline development.