Ethiopian Airlines expects to decide by August which aircraft will form the next stage of its narrowbody fleet expansion, with the Airbus A220-300, Boeing 737 MAX 7 and Embraer E195-E2 under evaluation for an order covering 25 aircraft.
The airline confirmed that all three manufacturers remain in contention, although reports earlier this year indicated Ethiopian was already in advanced discussions with Airbus over a potential order for about 20 A220s. If completed, the deal would introduce the A220 into the carrier's fleet for the first time.
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The decision comes as Ethiopian gradually diversifies a fleet that has historically relied on Boeing aircraft. While the airline remains one of the largest Boeing operators in Africa, Airbus has steadily expanded its presence through the A350, with the carrier now operating both the -900 and -1000 variants.
The A220 would give Ethiopian an aircraft between its Dash 8 turboprops and 737 MAX 8s, matching routes with lower passenger demand. Airbus designed the aircraft specifically for the 100- to 150-seat segment, where operating costs are generally lower than those of larger narrowbodies.
Boeing's proposal centers on the 737 MAX 7, the smallest member of the MAX family. Although the aircraft would preserve fleet commonality with Ethiopian's existing 737s, it also carries the higher structural weight and operating costs of a platform originally developed for larger variants. Like the Airbus A319neo, the MAX 7 has attracted relatively limited demand and represents only a small share of its manufacturer's narrowbody backlog.
Embraer is offering the E195-E2, which occupies the same market segment as the A220 but would introduce an entirely new aircraft family into Ethiopian's operation. Such a decision would require additional investment in pilot training, simulators, maintenance infrastructure and spare parts inventories.
Ethiopian is also evaluating a separate order for 16 freighters with eight additional options. Both decisions are expected within weeks and could be announced during or shortly after the Farnborough International Airshow.
