· Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its fleet of A350-900 aircraft through a new launch agreement with Novus Aviation Capital announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The deal strengthens Ethiopia’s long-term and regional capacity, supporting growth across African, European and Middle Eastern markets.
· Novus emphasized Ethiopia’s role as a long-term customer, emphasizing its ability to provide modern wide-body aircraft that suit the needs of airlines.
· The addition of the A350-900 is in line with global trends towards new technology and fuel-efficient aircraft as African airlines modernize their fleets.
· The agreement strengthens Novus’ position as a major global lessor active across multiple regions and financial structures.
Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its wide-body fleet with a new agreement with Novus Aviation Capital to field two Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a move that highlights the carrier’s expanding role in the African and intercontinental aviation markets. The announcement, made during the Dubai Airshow 2025, reflects the strategic convergence between leasing and fleet renewal and the growing demand for long-haul connectivity across the region. The aircraft were officially handed over during a signing ceremony held at the Airbus Chalet, confirming the ongoing relationship between the company and the Dubai-based leasing platform.
The deal reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term fleet strategy as it works to build additional capacity to serve the fast-growing African and international corridors. As Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, Ethiopian Airlines has long relied on a diversified mix of owned and leased assets to scale network growth. The addition of two A350-900 aircraft, one of Airbus’s newest and most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft, will enable the airline to enhance operational flexibility and support demand for higher volume flights connecting Addis Ababa to markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Strategic leasing to meet growing regional demand
Novus Aviation Capital, a private aircraft leasing and financing platform founded in 1994, stressed the importance of continuing the relationship. “Ethiopian Airlines has long been a major customer of Novus, and we are proud to continue working with the airline because
Expands its fleet with additional A350 aircraft. “This collaboration highlights our ability to provide energy that meets the evolving needs of our airline customers,” said Mounir Kuzbari, Co-CEO of Novus Aviation Capital.
This deal is consistent with broader trends in global aviation leasing, where airlines, especially in emerging markets, are leveraging lessor partnerships to secure next-generation aircraft amid limited production runs and increasing demand for wide-body aircraft with new technology. With the A350-900 offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and long-haul capability, the aircraft type is in line with Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainability agenda while supporting the expansion of high-demand intercontinental services.
Strengthening the capabilities of African, regional and global networks
The ongoing modernization of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet carries strategic implications for the broader African aviation landscape. The continent’s air transport market, although still underdeveloped compared to other regions of the world, is expected to expand significantly over the next decade. Rising intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), increasing urbanization, and growing middle-class travel demand are contributing to rising expectations for passenger and cargo movement.
The airline has long positioned Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport as a continental hub connecting more than 60 African cities to long-haul destinations. To maintain this model, Ethiopian Airlines needs steady growth in widebody aircraft, especially on routes connecting Europe and Asia, where the A350 is increasingly favored for its fuel efficiency. The placement of two additional aircraft enhances the airline’s ability to maintain frequency on core hub routes and expand into underserved regional markets.
With African aviation expected to grow at an average annual rate of about 5% in the coming years above global averages, capacity additions such as the A350-900 will play a central role in supporting national and regional development strategies. While the press release does not specify a delivery schedule or deployment plans, the aircraft will likely serve long-haul segments as Ethiopian maintains strong demand elasticity.
The ability of the A350 as a catalyst for international connectivity
The A350-900 is now one of Ethiopian Airlines’ flagship fleet types, enabling the carrier to reach new destinations with low environmental impact. While global regulators continue to push for increased emissions compliance, particularly within international sustainability frameworks, African airlines face additional pressure to modernize their fleets to avoid competitive disadvantage on intercontinental routes.
This new aircraft status brings Ethiopian Airlines into compliance with these evolving standards and keeps the airline’s long-haul operations aligned with global sustainability goals. The A350’s low fuel consumption and low noise will support Ethiopia’s objectives
Environmental considerations are playing a progressively larger role in aircraft selection and international slot allocation.
Novus strengthens its position in the global leasing market
For Novus Aviation Capital, the agreement strengthens its position as a key partner for airlines seeking flexible fleet financing solutions. Operating from offices across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, Novus offers operating leases, financing contracts, mezzanine and junior debt products as well as aircraft remarketing and advisory services. Its ability to supply the A350 and place it among the most in-demand widebody aircraft types also highlights the lessor’s ability to provide high-value capacity to airlines seeking operational flexibility.
As airlines globally continue to restore capacity and restore pre-pandemic traffic levels, demand for wide-body aircraft with new technology remains strong. Leasing companies such as Novus are playing an increasingly important role in filling aircraft supply gaps while supporting airlines with financing and asset management services. The placement with Ethiopian Airlines adds to Novus’ track record of partnering with leading global operators and manufacturers.
The Dubai Airshow context: Convergence of growth and fleet renewal
This announcement comes amid one of the largest aviation gatherings in the world, and underscores the pivotal importance of the Dubai Airshow as a platform for fleet expansion, financing and strategic partnerships. As the global fleet renewal cycle accelerates, driven by sustainability pressures, rising fuel costs and passenger demand dynamics, African airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines, are leveraging this event to secure long-term capacity commitments.
The enhancement of Ethiopian Airlines’ A350 fleet via Novus reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to modernize, expand and position itself as a leading global connector in Africa. For regional markets, the agreement supports a broader trend of capacity growth and increased integration into international aviation networks.
Expectations
The introduction of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft with Ethiopian Airlines represents a calculated step in the airline’s long-term growth strategy, enhancing its ability to serve the expanding African, regional and intercontinental markets. It also highlights Novus Aviation Capital’s role in providing modern and efficient energy to leading airlines. As global traffic rebounds and African aviation prepares for sustainable expansion, the partnership between Novus and Ethiopian Airlines underscores the strategic value of next-generation aircraft in shaping connectivity and competitiveness on the continent.
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