Ethiopian Airlines Orders 11 More Airbus A350s

Airbus continues to enjoy commitments for its A350 series at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

Ethiopian Selects The A350

Ethiopian Airlines has returned for the Airbus A350 by signing a memorandum of understanding for the A350-900.

Under the MoU, the airline has committed to 11 additional A350-900s as part of its fleet expansion plans.

Ethiopians’ overall commitment to the A350 family is substantial. The airline already flies the A350-900 extensively. However, it still has further orders for the -900.

Meanwhile, the company has also committed to the largest variant of the series, the A350-1000, as part of efforts to offer more capacity.

With this new deal, Ethiopian Airlines will become Africa’s largest A350 customer—a major achievement for the company.

The Ethiopian Airlines Fleet

Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 123 in-service planes, according to the latest data from Cirium.

In its current fleet, the airline’s largest type by active units is the Dash 8 Q400.

However, in its jet fleet, the company already flies 20 A350-900s, a solid commitment to Airbus’s popular widebody.

These still fall short of the 787-8 Dreamliner (19) and the 737-8 (13). However, the commitment to the MAX is now only scheduled to grow.

Comments From Executives

We are excited to place this commitment for 11 Airbus A350-900s. As a customer focused airline, we are particularly excited for this fleet as it offers extra comfort to passengers with its features like the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting. We are keen to expand our fleet size, acquiring the latest technology aircraft to offer a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew

Ethiopian Airlines is a great example of how to leverage the exceptional values of the A350 for long-haul travel, playing on the benefits of Ethiopia’s unique geographical position that offers the fastest connections between China and Latin America. We are delighted to further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines fleet, and through this, continue the great relationship we have built up together.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International

A Commitment For Boeing Planes Too

On the second day of the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines also committed to Boeing aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines selected the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to aid its future narrow- and wide-body growth plans.

Ethiopian Airlines ordered 20 737-8s and an additional 11 787-9s. The airline also committed to additional growth by adding several options to the deal.

As a result, the total deal includes up to 67 aircraft, including firm orders and options the airline could activate over time.