Ethiopian Airlines strengthens position as Africa’s largest A350 operator

…orders for 6 additional A350-900s

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, further strengthening its position as the largest A350 customer in Africa.

This agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said: “We are delighted to expand our Airbus fleet size with this order and strengthen our partnership with the Airbus company. As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order further supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing a world-class travel experience and strengthening our position as the aviation leader in Africa.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said: “We are proud to further deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, a long-standing Airbus customer and a benchmark for aviation excellence in Africa. The A350’s state-of-the-art technology, efficiency and versatility will bring even greater value to Ethiopian Airline’s operations.”

The Airbus A350-900 brings 25 percent lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft and is recognised for its quiet cabin, advanced aerodynamics, and state-of-the-art passenger comfort features.

The new order underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term strategy to modernise and expand its fleet with technologically advanced, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft.

The airline and Boeing recently announced today Africa’s largest carrier has committed to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets. The agreement for 11 B737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub.

“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 B737-8 airplanes today during the Dubai Airshow,” said Tasew.

“The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”

The carrier leverages the reliability, efficiency, and range of its 737 MAX fleet on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where quick turnarounds and frequency are essential to meet passenger demand. “Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.