en.Wedoany.com Reported - Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer are competing for Ethiopian Airlines' new narrowbody aircraft order, with a final decision expected within the next few weeks.

On July 12, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha revealed the order plan to reporters after the launch of a new passenger route to Mauritius. The Ethiopian flag carrier is considering ordering 25 narrowbody aircraft, with an additional 10 options.

The aircraft under consideration by Ethiopian Airlines include Boeing's smallest MAX model (likely the 737-8 or the upcoming 737-7), Embraer's regional jets, and Airbus's A220 aircraft. In May 2026, there were rumors that the airline was considering ordering 20 A220 narrowbody aircraft.

These procurement plans align with Ethiopian Airlines' strategic goal of becoming a major global aviation connector. The airline's direct investment in the $12.5 billion four-runway new airport in Addis Ababa (Bishoftu International Airport) is also part of its growth strategy, with construction having started in January 2026.

Yadecha also told reporters that the airline is nearing a decision on whether to purchase 16 cargo aircraft, with an additional 8 options. Decisions on both narrowbody and cargo aircraft will be made within weeks, so orders could potentially be announced as early as the Farnborough Airshow.

At last year's Paris Air Show, De Havilland Canada (DHC) announced that Ethiopian Airlines had signed an agreement to purchase two new Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. De Havilland Canada delivered the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines last month.

Ethiopian Airlines' current fleet is predominantly Boeing, with approximately 50 aircraft from that manufacturer. The airline also operates 22 Airbus A350-900s and 4 A350-1000s. According to ch-aviation data, its fleet currently has no Embraer aircraft.