Ethiopian Airlines is preparing for another major fleet expansion as Africa's largest carrier weighs an order for 25 new narrow-body aircraft to strengthen domestic and regional operations across the continent.
The airline's Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, said a decision is likely within the next three months as the company evaluates competing offers from Airbus, Embraer, and Boeing, Reuters reported.
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, Bekele said the airline is considering three aircraft models: the Airbus A220, Embraer's E2 family, and Boeing's 737 MAX 7, which is expected to receive certification from U.S. regulators later this year.
The planned acquisition forms part of Ethiopian Airlines' long-term growth strategy as it seeks to deepen connectivity within Ethiopia and across neighbouring African countries.
With a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has become one of the world's fastest-growing airlines and remains the dominant force in African aviation.
