Ethiopian Airlines is in early discussions with Airbus over a potential aircraft order that could include around 20 A220 jets and six additional A350 widebody aircraft, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
If confirmed, the deal would mark the first Airbus A220 order for the African carrier, which has historically relied heavily on Boeing aircraft for both regional and long-haul operations.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a narrowbody fleet centered on the Boeing 737 family, including three 737-700s, 16 737-800s and 23 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The A220 would likely occupy a segment between the airline’s larger 737 fleet and its regional turboprops, which include Dash 8 Q400s and ATR 72 aircraft.
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The Addis Ababa-based airline has nevertheless become one of Airbus’ largest A350 operators in Africa over the past decade.
Ethiopian currently operates 22 A350-900s and four A350-1000s. According to Airbus order data, the carrier still has 17 A350-900s pending delivery from a total of 35 firm orders, while the four A350-1000s already ordered have all been delivered. The airline’s additional A350-900 aircraft currently in service are leased.
Despite its growing Airbus fleet, Ethiopian has traditionally favored Boeing aircraft, particularly for long-haul operations. The carrier is also a major operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and earlier this year exercised options for 15 additional 787-9s.
A potential A220 acquisition would therefore represent a notable diversification of Ethiopian’s regional fleet strategy as the airline seeks to expand connectivity across Africa while feeding its growing intercontinental network.
Ethiopian Airlines has been pursuing aggressive expansion plans in recent years, including the construction of a new airport near Addis Ababa designed to support future growth beyond the capacity limits of Bole International Airport.
