Africa’s leading airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken another significant step in its wide-body fleet expansion strategy. The company has placed a firm order for six Airbus A350-900s, reinforcing its position as the continent’s largest A350 customer. The purchase agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and Airbus Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
Commenting on the agreement, Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said:
“With this order, we are pleased to expand the size of our Airbus fleet and further strengthen our partnership with Airbus. As Africa’s leading airline and the largest A350 operator, this major step supports our sustainable growth vision while offering our passengers a world-class travel experience.”
Airbus Executive Vice President Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighted the importance of the ongoing collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines:
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. The A350’s advanced technology, efficiency, and versatility will continue to bring great value to the airline’s operations.”
A350: A New Standard in Efficiency and Comfort
Setting new benchmarks in long-haul travel, the Airbus A350 offers non-stop flight capability of up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres. Thanks to the latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines and extensive use of lightweight materials, it delivers 25% lower fuel burn, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.
Designed to enhance passenger and crew comfort, the Airspace cabin offers a more spacious, quieter, and ergonomic travel experience with its modern onboard systems.
Like all Airbus aircraft, the A350 can already operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to achieve 100% SAF capability across all its aircraft by 2030.
As of the end of October 2025, the A350 family has received over 1,400 orders from 64 customers worldwide.
