Ethiopian Airlines Expands Its Airbus Fleet with Six Additional A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines has solidified its position as the leading A350 operator in Africa by placing a firm order for six Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This significant milestone was announced at the Dubai Airshow, marking a strengthening of the airline's partnership with Airbus.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus' EVP of Sales for Commercial Aircraft. Mr. Tasew expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, 'We are thrilled to expand our Airbus fleet and solidify our partnership with Airbus. As the continent's leading airline and the largest A350 operator, this order aligns with our vision of sustainable growth while delivering an exceptional travel experience to our passengers and maintaining our leadership in African aviation.'
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry shared similar sentiments, saying, 'We are honored to deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, a long-standing Airbus customer and a symbol of aviation excellence in Africa. The A350's cutting-edge technology, efficiency, and versatility will significantly enhance Ethiopian's operations.'
The A350 is a groundbreaking widebody aircraft, capable of non-stop flights up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), setting new standards for intercontinental travel. Its advanced technologies and aerodynamics provide unparalleled efficiency and comfort. The aircraft's Rolls-Royce engines and lightweight materials offer a 25% advantage in fuel efficiency, operating costs, and reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.
The A350's Airspace cabin is designed to provide passengers and crew with the latest in-flight amenities, ensuring a comfortable journey. Furthermore, the A350 is compatible with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Airbus aims to achieve 100% SAF capability by 2030.
As of October 2025, the A350 Family has secured over 1,400 orders from 64 customers worldwide, solidifying its position as a leading choice for airlines globally.
