Ethiopian Airlines Orders Six More Airbus A350-900s, Expanding Africa’s Largest A350 Fleet

Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, further strengthening its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator. The agreement was signed on November 18 at the Dubai Airshow 2025 by Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft.

“We are delighted to expand our Airbus fleet with this order and strengthen our partnership with Airbus,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order supports our vision to grow sustainably, provide a world-class travel experience, and reinforce our leadership in African aviation.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added: “We are proud to further deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, a long-standing Airbus customer and a benchmark for aviation excellence in Africa. The A350’s cutting-edge technology, efficiency, and versatility will deliver even greater value to Ethiopian’s operations.”

The Airbus A350 is one of the world’s most advanced long-haul aircraft, capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers) nonstop. Its next-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, lightweight composite structure, and optimized aerodynamics deliver 25% lower fuel consumption, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation widebodies.

The aircraft’s Airspace by Airbus cabin also enhances passenger comfort with higher humidity, quieter interiors, and advanced lighting systems for an improved long-haul experience. Like all Airbus aircraft, the A350 can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.

With this latest order, Ethiopian Airlines continues its fleet modernization drive as part of its Vision 2035 growth strategy, positioning itself as a sustainability and service leader across the African continent. As of October 2025, the Airbus A350 Family had received over 1,400 orders from 64 customers worldwide, underscoring its global appeal as the preferred aircraft for long-haul efficiency and comfort.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates Africa’s largest and youngest fleet, with more than 160 aircraft in service. Its diverse lineup includes Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 widebodies, Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300ER long-haul jets, as well as Boeing 737 models for medium-haul operations. The airline also operates Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops, serving regional and domestic routes across Africa. This modern and fuel-efficient fleet underpins Ethiopian’s position as the continent’s aviation leader, connecting more than 130 destinations worldwide with a focus on sustainability, safety, and passenger comfort.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com