Boeing delivery delays have created a fleet shortage for Ethiopian Airlines that could last up to two years, CEO Mesfin Tasew has shared, affecting growth plans despite preparations for airport expansion and passenger increases.
The carrier has over 100 aircraft on order from Boeing, with narrowbody deliveries on schedule but widebody delays, including eight B777-9s now entering service in 2027 instead of 2026 and deliveries until 2030.
Orders for 11 A350-900s and 11 B787-9s face delays to 2028, a year later than planned, potentially requiring route adjustments or extended use of older jets.
Ethiopian Airlines forecasts passenger growth of 12 to 15 per cent this year through new routes and increased frequencies, targeting secondary cities in Africa, more destinations in Asia, China, Europe and North America.
Construction starts in January on a €9.2bn airport at Abusera, 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, to handle 60m passengers initially and 110m by 2029, relieving Bole International Airport near its 25m capacity.
The airline plans to fund 30 per cent of the project, with interest from lenders including the African Development Bank for €460m and the US International Development Finance Corp.
CEO Mesfin Tasew shared, “We still have a shortage compared to our longer-term plan. This will continue, maybe for the coming two years. We’re opening new routes. We’re increasing frequencies. As a result of this, we expect to grow in terms of passenger numbers at a double-digit rate. This will continue.” Now we have a shortage of aircraft; otherwise, we would have grown even faster than 15pc.”
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