Ethiopian Airlines places order for six more A350-900s, consolidating its lead in Africa

November 19, 2025 in Business, Companies, The Business Interview by Editor

Ethiopian Airlines has firmed up its position as Africa’s leading A350 operator with an order for six additional A350-900s. The move expands its modern widebody fleet, enhances long-haul capacity, and reinforces the airline’s commitment to efficiency, passenger comfort, and sustainable aviation.

 

Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its widebody ambitions with a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and Airbus Executive Vice President for Commercial Aircraft Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.

The deal raises Ethiopian’s total A350 order book to 41 aircraft, 24 of which are currently in service. For the airline, the additional widebodies are tied directly to its long-term growth strategy.

“We are delighted to expand our Airbus fleet size with this order and strengthen our partnership with the Airbus company,” said Mesfin Tasew. “As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order further supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing a world-class travel experience to our passengers and strengthening our position as the aviation leader in Africa.”

Airbus welcomed the commitment, describing Ethiopian Airlines as a long-standing partner and a reference point for operational excellence on the continent.

“We are proud to further deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines,” said de Saint-Exupéry. “The A350’s state-of-the-art technology, efficiency and versatility will bring even greater value to Ethiopian’s operations.”

The A350-900 remains one of the world’s most advanced long-haul aircraft, capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometres) nonstop. Built with next-generation aerodynamics, lightweight materials and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the type offers up to 25 percent lower fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation twin-aisle aircraft. Its Airspace cabin—known for its quieter interiors, improved pressure levels, wide seats and advanced lighting—continues to be a major selling point for carriers focused on passenger comfort.

With the A350 is certified to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus aiming for 100 percent SAF capability across its product line by 2030, the aircraft also advances the airline’s sustainability targets.

By the end of October 2025, the A350 Family had secured more than 1,400 orders from 64 customers globally—a reflection of its growing prominence on long-haul networks.

For Ethiopian Airlines, which has steadily expanded and modernised its fleet over the past decade, the latest order represents continued confidence in the A350 platform and a further step in consolidating its leadership in African aviation.