Russia Seeks ACMI Deal with Ethiopian Airlines Amid Jet Shortage
Russia is seeking to secure an ACMI (wet lease) agreement with Ethiopian Airlines as part of broader aviation cooperation, according to the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA). The proposal includes wet leasing aircraft, joint MRO ventures, and supplying Russian-made navigation equipment.
A Russian delegation led by trade commissioner Yaroslav Tarasyuk met with ECAA Director General Yohannes Abera in Addis Ababa on July 29 to discuss the framework for leasing Ethiopian-registered aircraft, particularly to address Russia’s summer season fleet shortages. Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing-accredited MRO facility was highlighted as a potential area for collaboration.
The delegation also proposed the supply of Russian aviation equipment and expressed interest in supporting Ethiopia’s maintenance infrastructure development. Tarasyuk emphasized Russia’s readiness to finalize a new bilateral air transport agreement and requested Ethiopia’s support for Russia’s re-election to the ICAO Council during its 42nd session in Montréal this fall.
A wet lease arrangement would allow Russian carriers to operate Western-built aircraft, crewed and maintained by Ethiopian Airlines, bypassing sanctions that currently prevent Russia from acquiring Boeing or Airbus jets and spare parts directly. However, such a deal could risk backlash from the U.S. and EU, potentially jeopardizing Ethiopian Airlines’ access to Western airspace.
Ethiopian Airlines is also facing aircraft delivery delays from Airbus and Boeing. CEO Mesfin Tasew recently acknowledged the carrier may revise growth plans as deliveries of A350s, 787-9s, and 777-9s are pushed back. To mitigate the shortfall, Ethiopian is turning to lessors, including deals for Boeing 787s and 737-8s through 2026.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com