Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most successful airline, has announced the addition of two De Havilland Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to its fleet, marking a significant expansion of its domestic and regional operations. The purchase agreement, signed this month, introduces the latest evolution of the iconic Twin Otter aircraft family to Ethiopian’s operations for the first time.
The acquisition highlights Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to improving connectivity to remote and underserved regions across Ethiopia and East Africa, leveraging the Twin Otter’s exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, rugged performance, and modern avionics.
“This addition to our fleet reflects our long-term strategy of expanding regional access to support Ethiopia’s social and economic development,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The Twin Otter 300-G brings outstanding operational flexibility, particularly for reaching challenging terrains, our scenic lakes, and smaller airports where larger aircraft cannot operate efficiently.”
A Strategic Investment in Regional Access
The Twin Otter 300-G represents the latest advancement of De Havilland Canada’s storied utility aircraft, famed for its reliability in harsh conditions and its ability to operate from short, unpaved runways, lakes, and rugged outposts.
The new aircraft ordered by Ethiopian Airlines will be equipped with amphibious landing gear, allowing for operations on both land and water — particularly valuable for reaching Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley lakes and supporting remote tourism initiatives. The aircraft’s versatility also enables passenger, cargo, air ambulance, airport calibration, and charter services, making it an ideal fit for Ethiopia’s wide-ranging aviation needs.
Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, welcomed the deal, noting: “We are honoured to see the Twin Otter once again flying in Ethiopian Airlines livery. Their confidence in the 300-G speaks to the aircraft’s renowned reputation for reliability and adaptability in challenging environments.”
Renewing a Legacy
Ethiopian Airlines is no stranger to the Twin Otter. In the past, earlier generations of the aircraft have flown under its banner, supporting both domestic travel and key national development initiatives. This acquisition of the 300-G variant marks a return to that legacy with modernized capabilities.
The Twin Otter family has seen over 600 units delivered worldwide, operating successfully in diverse environments ranging from the Canadian Arctic to Pacific islands and African highlands. Its proven track record makes it one of the most trusted utility aircraft globally.
The 300-G variant builds on this legacy with enhancements in payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and an upgraded glass cockpit to support today’s regulatory and operational demands. The model is certified for single-pilot operations, reducing crew costs while maintaining operational safety.
Supporting Socio-Economic Growth
Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to bring the Twin Otter back into its fleet aligns with the government of Ethiopia’s broader push to strengthen national infrastructure and promote economic activity in outlying regions. Improved air connectivity is not only expected to enhance tourism opportunities in Ethiopia’s historic and scenic destinations but also to boost humanitarian efforts, medical evacuation capacity, and cargo logistics to rural areas.
In addition to commercial use, government and humanitarian agencies in Ethiopia are expected to benefit from the aircraft’s versatility, further enhancing Ethiopian Airlines’ role in national development.
A Broader Context for African Aviation
This move also highlights a broader trend in African regional aviation. While many airlines across the continent focus heavily on international expansion and widebody aircraft acquisitions, few have given equal priority to developing robust domestic feeder networks. Ethiopian’s approach bucks that trend, positioning the airline as a comprehensive provider across long-haul, regional, and now ultra-short-haul domestic operations.
With increasing calls for greater intra-African connectivity, especially under frameworks like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), Ethiopian Airlines’ acquisition of versatile aircraft like the Twin Otter further cements its leadership in building a sustainable, all-encompassing African aviation ecosystem.
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