Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to make one of the most significant fleet decisions in its recent history as it evaluates three competing aircraft types for an order of 25 new narrowbody aircraft expected to be finalized next month.
The airline is assessing the Airbus A220-300, Boeing 737 MAX 7 and Embraer E195-E2 as it looks to strengthen its fleet over the coming decade.
Speaking to Addis Fortune, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha said the airline is currently comparing the three aircraft before making a final selection by August.
The order will play a key role in shaping the future of Africa’s largest airline, which currently operates a fleet of 171 aircraft serving more than 140 destinations worldwide.
Each aircraft under consideration offers a distinct strategic proposition.
The Boeing 737 MAX 7 aligns closely with Ethiopian’s existing Boeing narrowbody fleet and offers the greatest range of the three at approximately 7,130 kilometres, making it well suited for longer regional and medium-haul missions while simplifying fleet commonality.
The Airbus A220-300 occupies the middle ground, combining strong fuel efficiency with a range of about 6,300 kilometres. Its modern cabin and operating economics have made it increasingly attractive for thinner international routes where demand does not justify larger narrowbody aircraft.
Meanwhile, Embraer’s E195-E2 is positioned as the most cost-efficient option for shorter regional operations. With lower acquisition costs and reduced fuel burn, the aircraft has been marketed as an ideal solution for developing markets requiring smaller capacity and greater frequency.
However, the decision extends well beyond aircraft performance. Introducing a third aircraft family would also require substantial investment in pilot training, flight simulators, engineering capability, spare parts inventories and maintenance infrastructure.
Fleet commonality has historically been one of Ethiopian Airlines’ key competitive advantages, allowing it to achieve significant operational efficiencies across its Boeing and Airbus operations.
The decision also comes against the backdrop of ongoing supply chain constraints affecting the global aviation industry. Aircraft manufacturers continue to face record order backlogs approaching 18,000 aircraft worldwide, while engine shortages and production delays have extended delivery timelines across the sector.
For airlines, those disruptions have translated into higher maintenance costs, longer aircraft utilisation cycles and delayed fleet renewal programmes.
Embraer has submitted a formal proposal highlighting the E195-E2’s fuel efficiency and Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, arguing that the aircraft is well suited to African operating conditions and the continent’s fragmented route structure.
The competition has broader implications beyond Ethiopian Airlines.
As Africa’s largest carrier and one of the continent’s most influential airline groups, Ethiopian’s fleet decisions often shape market perceptions and influence purchasing strategies across the region. A Boeing selection would reinforce the airline’s long-standing relationship with the U.S. manufacturer, while an Airbus order would further diversify its narrowbody fleet.
A decision in favour of Embraer would be particularly significant, marking Ethiopian Airlines’ first move into the Brazilian manufacturer’s commercial jet family and potentially strengthening Embraer’s position in a market where it has argued that right-sized aircraft are better suited to many of Africa’s underserved regional routes.
The order is expected to be finalized soon, bringing an end to one of the continent’s most closely watched fleet competitions.
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