Ethiopian Airlines Set to Finalise 25 Regional Jets Order Within Three Months
Africa's aviation landscape is bracing for another major shift as Ethiopian Airlines, the continent's largest carrier, prepares to finalise a landmark order for 25 smaller commercial aircraft. The decision, expected within the next three months, was announced by Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew Bekele on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual summit held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The new fleet will be deployed to expand both domestic operations within Ethiopia and regional routes across Africa, a move that promises to reshape connectivity on the continent and unlock fresh opportunities for travel professionals serving sub-Saharan markets. Currently operating a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has firmly established itself as a leading force in African aviation, and this latest expansion reflects a clear commitment to strengthening intra-African travel links.
According to Mesfin, the airline is currently weighing three competing options: the Airbus A220, Embraer's E-2 family, and the Boeing 737 MAX 7. The Boeing model is expected to receive certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration later this year, a development that could influence the final selection. While the CEO acknowledged that there are still "some issues" to resolve before a decision is reached, he expressed confidence that the matter would be settled in the short term. He did not, however, elaborate on the specific challenges under review.
For African travel industry professionals, this development is significant on several fronts. Smaller, more fuel-efficient regional aircraft are particularly well-suited for routes where passenger demand does not justify deploying larger wide-body jets. This means Ethiopian Airlines could open new connections to secondary cities and underserved destinations across the continent, supporting tourism, trade, and business travel in places that have historically lacked reliable air links. From West Africa to the Indian Ocean islands, the implications for tour operators and corporate travel managers are substantial.
Ethiopian Airlines has been on a steady fleet modernisation journey in recent years, having added next-generation aircraft including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, and Boeing 737 MAX to its operations. The introduction of regional jets would complement this premium long-haul fleet by ensuring stronger feeder networks into its Addis Ababa hub, which has emerged as one of Africa's most important aviation gateways. The result will likely be smoother connections for passengers travelling between African cities and onwards to global destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The timing of this expansion coincides with broader momentum across African aviation, as airlines on the continent compete to capture rising demand for both leisure and business travel. With initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) gaining traction, carriers that invest early in versatile regional fleets stand to benefit considerably from the gradual liberalisation of African skies. Ethiopian Airlines' move signals confidence in the continent's long-term aviation growth, even as global carriers grapple with rising fuel costs and shifting demand patterns in other regions.
For travel agencies and tour operators across sub-Saharan Africa, the prospect of expanded Ethiopian Airlines services means more flexibility in crafting itineraries, better pricing options on regional routes, and improved access to emerging destinations. Hospitality stakeholders in smaller African cities should also begin preparing for the potential arrival of new visitor flows once the additional aircraft enter service.
As the aviation giant evaluates its options between Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, the African travel sector will be watching closely. Whichever manufacturer secures this contract, the outcome will influence the shape of African connectivity for years to come. Industry professionals should view this moment as a clear signal: the future of intra-African travel is becoming faster, broader, and more accessible, and those who position themselves strategically today will reap the rewards of tomorrow's expanded skies.
