Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) is planning to order up to 20 regional jets in line with plans to expand its domestic fleet and retire older aircraft, Reuters reported.

CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele told the newswire that the airline is currently evaluating three models, namely E190-E2s, A220-100s, or B737-7s. The final number of aircraft it orders will depend on which type is selected, he added.

The proposed order is part of Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to establish multiple African hubs and provide feeder services to its Addis Ababa International hub.

As ch-aviation previously reported, Ethiopian Airlines said in December 2024 it was delaying its plans to replace its DHC-8-Q400s with either A220s or E-Jets due to ongoing reliability concerns with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines that power both aircraft. The carrier said at the time it expected the order would be in the "double digits" comprising about 10 firm orders and 10 options.

In 2024, the airline also leased four B737 MAX to bridge a capacity gap created by delivery delays from Boeing for B737-8s initially expected in April that year.

ch-aviation data shows the carrier operates 147 aircraft, namely three A350-1000s, twenty A350-900s, three B737-700s, nineteen B737-8s, ten B737-800s (two of which are wet-leased), one B737-800(BBJ), one B737-800(BCF), three B737-800(SF)s, three B767-300ER(BDSF)s (all inactive), two B767-300Fs, twelve B777-200Fs, six B777-200LRs, five B777-300ERs, nineteen B787-8s, ten B787-9s, and thirty DHC-8-Q400s. One A350-1000, eleven A350-900s, thirty-three B737-8s, eight B777-9s, and eleven B787-9s are awaiting delivery.