Dubai, November 19 - In a bold move underscoring its dominance in African aviation, Ethiopian Airlines has secured a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, announced at the bustling Dubai Airshow on November 18, 2025. As the continent's premier carrier and Africa's largest A350 operator, Ethiopian continues to fortify its widebody fleet, blending cutting-edge technology with ambitious growth plans. This latest A350-900 order not only cements the airline's partnership with Airbus but also highlights its unwavering commitment to sustainable air travel across global routes. With deliveries slated to bolster operations over the coming years, Ethiopian Airlines reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in efficient long-haul flying, drawing admiration from industry watchers for its strategic fleet expansion.
The A350-900, renowned for its superior fuel efficiency and passenger-centric design, aligns seamlessly with Ethiopian's vision of eco-conscious expansion. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and crafted from advanced lightweight composites, the aircraft slashes fuel consumption, operating costs, and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to older-generation rivals. Ethiopian's CEO, Mesfin Tasew, emphasized this synergy during the signing ceremony, noting how the addition supports the airline's goal of delivering unparalleled travel experiences while minimizing environmental impact. Currently operating 22 A350-900s alongside four A350-1000 variants, Ethiopian will see its A350 family swell to over 40 aircraft once all pending deliveries arrive, enabling deeper penetration into high-demand markets like North America, Asia, and Europe.
This order arrives amid Ethiopian Airlines' remarkable resurgence, fueled by surging demand for premium intercontinental services post-pandemic. The carrier's existing A350 fleet has already revolutionized routes to destinations such as Washington D.C., London, and Shanghai, offering an enhanced range of up to 9,700 nautical miles and quieter cabins that elevate the in-flight journey. By prioritizing the A350-900's versatility—from short-haul flexibility to ultra-long-range endurance—Ethiopian positions itself to capture a larger share of Africa's burgeoning aviation market, projected to grow exponentially. Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry hailed the deal as a testament to Ethiopian's operational excellence, praising the aircraft's state-of-the-art Airspace cabin for fostering crew efficiency and passenger loyalty.
As Ethiopian Airlines integrates these new A350-900s, the ripple effects promise to reshape African connectivity, from seamless hub operations at Addis Ababa Bole International to expanded cargo capabilities supporting economic ties worldwide. This strategic acquisition not only future-proofs the airline against rising fuel prices and regulatory pressures but also inspires peers across the Global South to embrace greener fleets. In an era demanding innovation, Ethiopian's latest Airbus order stands as a beacon of progressive leadership, ensuring the skies over Africa remain vibrant, accessible, and sustainably soaring.