Ethiopian Airlines is eyeing up a possible double-digit order for regional jets with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer all in the running for the potentially lucrative deal.
The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, spoke to Reuters at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) where he confirmed the carrier was considering at least 20 regional or small jets.
According to the news outlet, Bekele is “evaluating” three models, which include the Embraer E2, Airbus A220 and the yet to be certified Boeing 737 MAX 7. The number of aircraft ordered will be determined by the aircraft type ordered.
During the interview, the CEO also lamented over aircraft delivery delays and issues with engine maintenance that have seen Ethiopian Airlines recently ground 787 Dreamliners and turboprops.
“We are receiving airplanes from both Boeing and Airbus, but deliveries have been delayed, some by three months, some six months, some more,” Bekele told Reuters.
Ethiopian Airlines currently has a range of aircraft on order from both Boeing and Airbus. These include 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and eight 777-9s, and 11 Airbus A350-900s.
On June 1, 2025, the carrier launched a new passenger service to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Four flights a week will make the journey to the UAE’s third largest emirate, becoming the second passenger destination in the country.
“We are truly delighted to connect our passengers to an additional getaway in the UAE with our new flights to Sharjah. We have been connecting the UAE and Africa for nearly five decades now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions,” said Bekele.
Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet includes Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900s, A350-1000s and De Havilland Q400 aircraft.
