Airbus, Boeing and Embraer are all in contention for a new narrowbody order from Ethiopian Airlines, with a decision possibly coming within weeks, according to Bloomberg.
On July 12, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines’ CCO Lemma Yadecha spoke to journalists about the potential order following the inauguration of its new passenger service to Mauritius.
According to Bloomberg, Ethiopia’s flag carrier is considering ordering 25 narrowbody aircraft, with options for 10 more in the future.
The aircraft being studied by the airline are Boeing’s smallest MAX model (although it’s unclear whether this is the 737-8 or the upcoming 737-7), Embraer’s regional jets and Airbus’ A220 aircraft.
There were rumors in May 2026, that Ethiopian was eyeing up an order for 20 A220 narrowbody aircraft.
These aircraft purchases are aligned with Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to become a major global connector.
The airline’s direct investment in the future Bishoftu International Airport, Adis Ababa’s new $12.5 billion four-runway greenfield airport, which began construction in January 2026, is also part of this ambitious growth strategy.
Additionally, Yadecha told reporters that the carrier was nearing a decision on whether to purchase 16 freighters, with options for eight more.
With the executive stating a decision on both narrowbodies and freighters would come within weeks, there is a possibility that an order could be announced as early as Farnborough Airshow.
Last year at Paris Air Show, De Havilland Canada (DHC) announced that Ethiopian Airlines had signed a purchase agreement for two new Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft.
De Havilland Canada delivered the first of the two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines last month.
Ethiopian’s current fleet is heavily weighted towards Boeing with around 50 aircraft made by the US planemaker.
The airline also operates 22 Airbus A350-900s and four A350-1000s. There are currently no Embraer type aircraft in its fleet, according to ch-aviation data.