Ethiopian pondering acquisition of up to 12 regional aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly interested in acquiring up to 12 regional jet aircraft to upgrade its existing domestic fleet which is composed of Fokker-50s and DHC-8s, as well as to serve thin regional routes. ET is interested to provide 50-seater replacements to its domestic fleet, while making 70-100 seaters available to regional routes. Aircraft under consideration are the ERJ145/170s and CRJs.
The airline would also decide soon as to whether it would acquire an additional five Boeing 787s, which would be delivered during the years 2012-2013, in addition to the already firmed up order for ten aircraft slated for delivery between 2008 and 2011. Of the firmed up examples, the aircraft versions would likely be split into 6x 787-8s and 4x 787-9s.
