Ethiopian Airlines delays decision on order for 25 regional jets

Ethiopian Airlines has delayed its decision on an order for 25 smaller regional aircraft by several months, as the carrier continues to evaluate its options for expanding its fleet. The airline had previously indicated that it would make a decision by September 2026. However, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew Bekele said on Friday that the decision would now be made within the next few months. The airline plans to purchase 25 regional jets, with the competition currently focused on Embraer’s E2 family and Airbus’ A220. The CEO did not include Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 among th

Ethiopian Airlines has delayed its decision on an order for 25 smaller regional aircraft by several months, as the carrier continues to evaluate its options for expanding its fleet. The airline had previously indicated that it would make a decision by September 2026. However, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew Bekele said on Friday that the decision would now be made within the next few months. The airline plans to purchase 25 regional jets, with the competition currently focused on Embraer’s E2 family and Airbus’ A220. The CEO did not include Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 among the options, despite previously mentioning the aircraft as a possibility in June. The planned aircraft purchase forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader fleet expansion as the carrier continues to strengthen its regional and international operations. Regional jets are particularly suited to routes with lower passenger volumes while allowing airlines to connect smaller markets more efficiently. The delay means the final choice between Embraer and Airbus will come later than initially expected. The decision will be closely watched by the global aviation industry, given Ethiopian Airlines’ position as one of Africa’s major carriers and its expanding network across the continent and beyond.