Ethiopian Airlines evaluates wide-body orders from Airbus, Boeing

Ethiopian Airlines is actively assessing potential orders for wide-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, as revealed by CEO Mesfin Tasew at the Dubai Airshow. The airline aims to modernize and expand its long-haul fleet to meet growing passenger and cargo demand. This evaluation involves a detailed analysis of aircraft performance, operating costs, and delivery schedules offered by both manufacturers.

Boeing and Airbus are competing fiercely for this significant order, presenting their latest wide-body models, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X, and the Airbus A350 family. Ethiopian Airlines' decision will likely be influenced by factors such as fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, and the ability to serve both existing and new routes. The airline's existing fleet already includes a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, giving it operational experience with both manufacturers' products.

The new wide-body aircraft are expected to support Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious growth plans, which include expanding its network to new destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America. The airline also aims to enhance its cargo operations, leveraging the increased payload capacity of modern wide-body aircraft. This potential order represents a major investment in the future of Ethiopian Airlines and underscores its position as a leading carrier in Africa.

The final decision on the wide-body order is anticipated in the coming months, following a comprehensive evaluation process. Industry analysts suggest that Ethiopian Airlines may opt for a mixed fleet approach, selecting aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus to diversify its operations and mitigate risks associated with relying on a single manufacturer. This order will have a significant impact on the competitive landscape of the wide-body aircraft market and further solidify Ethiopian Airlines' role as a key player in the global aviation industry.