News Ethiopian Airlines Expects Delivery of Over 100 Aircraft by 2032
By Sara Solomon
May 16, 2026
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew announced that the airline has placed orders for more than 100 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, with deliveries expected by 2032.
Mesfin made the announcement during the Global Cultural Day and Static Airshow held in Addis Ababa on May 14, 2026. The event was part of a series of celebrations marking the airline’s 80th anniversary.
The event was attended by government officials, diplomats, customers, and invited guests from various countries. Among those present were Alemu Sime (PhD), minister of Transport and Logistics, and Evgeny Terekhin, the Russian ambassador to Ethiopia.
Guests toured Ethiopian Airlines’ maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, where they viewed a diverse range of aircraft models and learned more about the airline’s technical operations.
Speaking at the event, Mesfin said, “For 80 years, Ethiopian Airlines has been a pioneer in introducing aviation technology to African skies.”
He noted that the airline currently transports more than 21 million passengers and over 850,000 tons of cargo annually. The planned aircraft deliveries will expand the airline’s existing fleet of 147 aircraft and support growing passenger and cargo demand.
According to aviation publication The Air Current, Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet planners are evaluating proposals for aircraft ranging from small narrow-body jets to wide-body aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, with the long-term goal of doubling the airline’s fleet by 2040.
Mesfin also described the Global Cultural Day event as “a powerful symbol of unity in diversity,” adding that the airline is looking toward new destinations, innovations, and stronger international partnerships.
Ethiopian Airlines has been celebrating its 80th anniversary since April 8, 2026, through a series of commemorative events. The airline is also planning to host an 8-kilometer running event later this week as part of the celebrations.
The Transport Minister praised the airline’s contribution over the past eight decades, stating that Ethiopian Airlines has served as “a bridge between Africa and the world.”
“ET plays an irreplaceable role in supporting trade, tourism, industrialization, regional integration, and people-to-people relations,” said Alemu, adding that the government remains committed to supporting policies that strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.