Ethiopian Airlines is expected to decide within the next three months on a potential order for 25 smaller commercial aircraft aimed at expanding its regional and domestic network, according to Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew Bekele.
Speaking at a gathering of airline executives in Brazil over the week-end, Bekele said discussions are ongoing, with a decision likely within a three-month timeframe, though he did not disclose the outstanding issues under consideration.
The airline, Africa’s largest carrier by capacity and route network, currently operates 147 aircrafts and is evaluating options including the Airbus A220, Embraer E-2 series, and the Boeing 737 MAX 7. The new aircrafts would be deployed on domestic routes as well as services to neighbouring countries, strengthening the carrier’s intra-African connectivity footprint.
Bekele also highlighted ongoing cost pressures across the aviation sector, noting that fuel prices have risen significantly due to geopolitical tensions linked to the war in Iran.
He said Ethiopian Airlines has reduced some Middle East flight frequencies, including cutting Dubai services from three to two daily flights in response to softer demand.
While the airline has resolved earlier fuel supply challenges, Bekele stressed that pricing remains a major concern, with overall jet fuel expenditure up by about 60 percent.