Ethiopian to bolster fleet with leased types and plans 100-seater and freighter orders

Ethiopian to bolster its fleet | Times Aerospace

Ethiopian Airlines is navigating a gap in new aircraft deliveries, awaiting orders expected in 2025 and beyond. Recently, it received its first Airbus A350-1000, with three more expected by March 2025. Additionally, the airline has firm orders for 11 A350-900s and eight Boeing 777-9s, expected from 2027. The airline is also considering 100-seater aircraft, evaluating the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 models. Despite these plans, Ethiopian Airlines faces challenges in securing widebody aircraft, critical to its growth strategy, and has signed agreements for Boeing 737 Max narrowbodies, which are more readily available.

On the freighter front, Ethiopian Airlines is evaluating new options to add to its current fleet of 10 Boeing 777Fs and three 767Fs. The carrier has four new 777-300Fs on order, although delivery delays are expected. Plans are also in place to convert two 777-200LRs to freighters next year. Decisions on additional freighters, such as the Airbus A350F and Boeing 777-8 Freighter, are still pending.