Ethiopian Airlines has released a statement strongly denying claims that the carrier was in negotiations to lease aircraft to Russia
In a statement on August 6, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines said that it had “observed news circulating on social media” linking the carrier to “supply airplanes to Russian airlines on wet-lease bases”.
“We would like to inform all concerned that Ethiopian Airlines has never been requested or discussed on this topic with any party. Moreover, it does not have any plan or intention to do so. Hence, the news is unfounded,” said Ethiopian Airlines in its statement.
Ethiopia’s flag carrier also noted there were claims that it was considering supplying aircraft spare parts to Russia. The airline denied this too.
“We would also like to assure our customers, partners, and stakeholders that Ethiopian Airlines conducts its operation in full compliance with applicable international laws, regulations, and contractual obligations,” added Ethiopian Airlines.
Statement
— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) August 6, 2025
We have observed news circulating on social media that implicate Ethiopian Airlines will supply airplanes to Russian airlines on wet-lease bases, and also supply aircraft spare parts to them.
We would like to inform all concerned that Ethiopian Airlines has never been… pic.twitter.com/bw7dSOGvcj
On August 6, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew also added his voice to the situation.
“Russia is under U.S. sanctions, and Ethiopian Airlines has strong operational and commercial ties with the United States. We operate under international regulations and U.S. law, and we are not willing to take the risk of violating those laws,” Tasew said, according to The Moscow Times.
Over recent days there have been claims in local media that Ethiopian country authorities were in talks with Russian officials regarding an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.
According to the Addis Insight media outlet, a Russian and Ethiopian delegation met last month to discuss furthering aviation cooperation.
The publication reported that while the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) did not deny discussions took place, the agency confirmed it has no authority to tell Ethiopian Airlines to lease aircraft and did not do so.
Weighed down by global sanctions, Russia is struggling to keep the country’s fleet of aircraft fully operational.