Ethiopian Airlines Commits To 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.

As part of the MoU, the airline has committed to 11 additional A350-900s following plans to grow its fleet.

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

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

Thanks to this new deal, Ethiopian Airlines will position itself as the largest A350 customer in Africa—a fantastic achievement for the company.

The Ethiopian Airlines Fleet

Ethiopian Airlines flies a fleet of 123 in-service planes, per latest data from Cirium.

As part of its current fleet, the airline’s most significant fleet type, measured by active units, is the Dash 8 Q400.

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

These only beat out the 787-8 Dreamliner with 19 units and the 737-8 with 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

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

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

20 737-8s were ordered, alongside a further 11 787-9s. The airline, however, also committed to additional growth by adding many options to the deal.

As a result, the total deal consists of up to 67 aircraft, including firm and options that the airline could activate in the long term.