Ethiopian Airlines Considers Order for 20 Regional Jets

Ethiopian Airlines Considers Order for 20 Regional Jets

Fleet Expansion and Strategic Objectives

Ethiopian Airlines is currently assessing a potential order for up to 20 regional jets as part of its broader initiative to expand its domestic fleet and phase out older aircraft. CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele revealed that the airline is evaluating three aircraft models: the Embraer E190-E2, Airbus A220-100, and Boeing 737-7. The final quantity of jets to be ordered will depend on the model selected.

This prospective acquisition aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic plan to develop multiple hubs across Africa and enhance feeder services to its primary base at Addis Ababa International Airport. The airline had previously postponed plans to replace its De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 turboprops with either A220s or Embraer E-Jets, citing ongoing reliability issues with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines that power both aircraft types. At that time, the anticipated order was expected to include approximately 10 firm orders with an additional 10 options.

Addressing Capacity Challenges Amid Delivery Delays

In response to delivery delays from Boeing, particularly concerning the 737-8 model originally scheduled for April 2024, Ethiopian Airlines has leased four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to address a temporary capacity shortfall. This interim measure aims to maintain operational continuity amid persistent supply chain disruptions.

Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates a diverse fleet of 147 aircraft, according to ch-aviation data. This fleet comprises a mix of widebody and narrowbody aircraft, including three Airbus A350-1000s and twenty A350-900s. The Boeing 737 family is represented by three 737-700s, nineteen 737-8s, and ten 737-800s, two of which are wet-leased, alongside specialized variants such as the 737-800 BBJ, BCF, and SF. The airline also maintains three inactive Boeing 767-300ER BDSFs and two active 767-300 freighters; twelve Boeing 777-200 freighters, six 777-200LRs, and five 777-300ERs; nineteen Boeing 787-8s and ten 787-9s; as well as thirty De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 turboprops.

Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines anticipates the delivery of additional aircraft to strengthen its fleet. These include one A350-1000, eleven A350-900s, thirty-three Boeing 737-8s, eight Boeing 777-9s, and eleven Boeing 787-9s. These forthcoming additions are expected to support the airline’s operational growth and strategic ambitions across the African continent.