Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's leading carrier, has made a significant move to consolidate its position as the continent's aviation powerhouse with a major aircraft acquisition.
Historic Order Signed at Dubai Airshow
On November 20, 2025, at the prestigious Dubai Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines formalized an order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The agreement was signed by Mesfin Tasew, the airline's Group Chief Executive Officer, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft business.
This strategic acquisition reinforces Ethiopian Airlines' status as the largest operator of the A350 in Africa. The signing ceremony represented a milestone in the airline's continuous growth strategy and its commitment to maintaining leadership in African aviation.
Strengthening Partnerships and Sustainability Goals
Mesfin Tasew emphasized that this fleet expansion aligns perfectly with the carrier's long-term strategic objectives. "This acquisition supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing world-class travel experience," Tasew stated during the signing ceremony.
The CEO expressed particular satisfaction with the strengthened partnership with Airbus, noting that the order would further cement their collaborative relationship. "As the continent's leading airline and the largest A350 operator, this milestone order strengthens our position as the aviation leader in Africa," he added.
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Operations
Airbus executives welcomed the expanded partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, acknowledging the carrier's excellence in African aviation. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry commented, "We are proud to further deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which is a long-standing customer and a benchmark for aviation excellence in Africa."
The A350-900 aircraft brings substantial operational advantages to Ethiopian Airlines' fleet:
- 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation aircraft
- Significant decrease in CO₂ emissions
- Advanced aerodynamics and quiet cabin technology
- Enhanced passenger comfort systems
These features directly support Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to modernize its fleet with environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft. The state-of-the-art technology and versatility of the A350-900 are expected to bring greater value to the airline's expanding operations across global routes.
This order represents another chapter in Ethiopian Airlines' remarkable growth story, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable aviation while maintaining its competitive edge in the global market. The addition of these six aircraft will further enhance the airline's capacity to serve its growing network with improved efficiency and passenger experience.
