July 8, 2026
By Staff Writer
NAIROBI, Kenya – Ethiopian airlines Group is preparing to finalize a firm order for 25 narrow-body aircraft next month, with the Airbus A220-300,Boeing 737 MAX 7,and Embraer E 195-E2 under intense scrutiny. This choice will have a major impact on the continent’s biggest airline and its fleet of 171 planes for the next ten years. Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha said they are currently comparing the options, and they have until August to make a final choice.
The three planes each serve different purposes. The Boeing 737 MAX 7 is best for longer flights with more passengers. The Embraer E195-E2 is more suited for shorter, regional routes. The Airbus A220 is in the middle, offering a good balance between range and fuel efficiency. The A220 is especially good for short-to-medium flights, with a comfortable cabin and good fuel economy, making it ideal for international routes with less passenger traffic. The 737 MAX 7 is good for bigger flights and fits well with Ethiopian’s existing Boeing fleet. The Embraer E195-E2 is cheaper to buy and has good cost efficiency, which is better for smaller markets.
In terms of performance, the 737 MAX 7 has the longest range at 7,130 kilometers, which is 13.2% more than the A220’s 6,297 kilometers, and much more than the Embraer’s 4,800 kilometers. The 737 MAX 7 also has more power, with 238 kN of thrust and a 3.53-meter cabin that can hold up to 172 passengers. However, it is the heaviest at 80,285 kg and uses a lot of fuel, about 3,047 liters per hour. The Embraer E195-E2 uses less fuel, between 2,000 and 2,500 liters per hour, and is the longest and lightest of the three, weighing 23.4% less than the Boeing. The Airbus is in the middle in terms of range and fuel use.
Aviation expert Yonathan Menkir told Addis Fortune and he says one important local factor could affect the decision. Ethiopian passengers tend to carry a lot of checked luggage, which could be a problem for the Embraer’s limited cargo space. Even though the Embraer is efficient in fuel, it might miss paying cargo revenue, which could affect its financial performance. Choosing the Embraer would also be a big change for Ethiopian, as they have mostly used Boeing and Airbus planes before. Introducing a new type of plane means many extra costs, like training pilots, getting special simulators, and keeping separate maintenance supplies. Staying with Boeing is less complicated and more efficient.
The decision is also harder because of a global backlog of about 18,000 planes. Supply chain problems are expected to cost airlines over $11.3 billion in 2025.This is mainly because of extra fuel costs and more maintenance needs as older planes stay in service due to delayed deliveries. With passenger demand up by 10.4% in 2024, the slow delivery rates could slow down growth, just as more people want to travel.
Embraer has sent a written proposal, calling the E195-E2 the most efficient in its category with reliable engines from Pratt & Whitney that work well in African conditions. However, Ethiopian’s top management says the final choice will depend on whether the long-term costs of training, cargo limitations, and supply chain issues outweigh the benefits each plane offers for the specific needs of their market. The order is expected to be finalized next month.
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