· Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its A350-900 fleet through a new placement agreement with Novus Aviation Capital announced at Dubai Airshow 2025.

· The deal strengthens Ethiopian’s long-haul and regional capacity, supporting growth across African, European and Middle Eastern markets.

· Novus emphasised Ethiopian’s role as a longstanding customer, underscoring its ability to source modern widebody aircraft that match airline needs.

· The A350-900 addition aligns with global trends toward new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft as African carriers modernise fleets.

· The agreement reinforces Novus’s position as a key global lessor active across multiple regions and financial structures.

Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its widebody fleet through a new agreement with Novus Aviation Capital for the placement of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a move that highlights the carrier’s expanding role in African and intercontinental aviation markets. The announcement, made during the Dubai Airshow 2025, reflects the strategic convergence of leasing, fleet renewal and rising demand for long-haul connectivity across the region. The aircraft were officially placed during a signing ceremony held at the Airbus Chalet, underscoring the continued relationship between the airline and the Dubai-based leasing platform.

The deal reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term fleet strategy as it works to build additional capacity to serve fast-growing intra-African and international corridors. As Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, Ethiopian has long relied on a diversified mix of owned and leased assets to scale network growth. The addition of two A350-900s one of Airbus’s newest and most fuel-efficient widebody types positions the airline to further enhance operational resilience and support demand on high-volume routes connecting Addis Ababa with markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Strategic leasing to meet rising regional demand

Novus Aviation Capital, a privately held aircraft leasing and finance platform established in 1994, emphasised the significance of the continued relationship. “Ethiopian Airlines has long been a key customer for Novus, and we are proud to continue working with the airline as it

expands its fleet with additional A350 aircraft. This collaboration highlights our ability to source capacity that meets the evolving needs of our airline customers,” said Mounir Kuzbari, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Novus Aviation Capital.

The deal is consistent with broader trends in global aviation leasing, where airlines particularly in emerging markets leverage lessor partnerships to secure next-generation aircraft amid constrained production slots and elevated demand for new-technology widebodies. With the A350-900 offering enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and long-range capability, the aircraft type aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainability agenda while supporting the scaling of high-demand intercontinental services.

Boosting capacity for African, regional and global networks

Ethiopian Airlines’ continued fleet modernisation carries strategic implications for the wider African aviation landscape. The continent’s air transport market, though still underdeveloped relative to other global regions, is forecast to expand significantly over the next decade. Rising intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), increasing urbanisation, and growing middle-class travel demand are all contributing to higher passenger and cargo traffic forecasts.

The airline has long positioned Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport as a continental hub linking more than 60 African cities to long-haul destinations. To sustain this model, Ethiopian requires steady widebody growth, particularly on routes connecting to Europe and Asia, where the A350 is increasingly preferred for its fuel burn efficiencies. The placement of two additional aircraft enhances the airline’s ability to maintain frequency on core hub-and-spoke routes and expand into underserved regional markets.

With African aviation expected to grow at an average annual rate of around 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 the delivery schedule or deployment plans, the aircraft will likely serve long-haul sectors where Ethiopian maintains strong demand resilience.

A350 capacity as catalyst for international connectivity

The A350-900 is now one of Ethiopian Airlines’ flagship fleet types, enabling the carrier to access new destinations with reduced environmental impact. While global regulatory bodies continue to push for greater emissions compliance, particularly under international sustainability frameworks, African carriers face additional pressure to modernise fleets to avoid competitive disadvantage on intercontinental routes.

This new aircraft placement aligns Ethiopian Airlines with these evolving standards and keeps the airline’s long-haul operations aligned with global sustainability targets. The A350’s lower fuel consumption and reduced noise footprint will support Ethiopian’s objectives as

environmental considerations play a progressively larger role in aircraft selection and international slot allocations.

Novus strengthens its position in global leasing market

For Novus Aviation Capital, the agreement reinforces its standing 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, finance leases, mezzanine and junior debt products as well as aircraft remarketing and advisory services. Its ability to source and place A350 aircraft among the most in-demand widebody types further highlights the lessor’s capability to provide high-value capacity to airlines seeking operational agility.

As airlines globally continue to recover capacity and restore pre-pandemic traffic levels, demand for new-technology widebodies remains strong. Lessors such as Novus play an increasingly important role in bridging aircraft supply gaps while supporting carriers with financing and asset-management services. The placement with Ethiopian Airlines adds to Novus’s track record of partnering with leading global operators and manufacturers.

Dubai Airshow context: A convergence of growth and fleet renewal

Taking place amid one of the world’s largest aerospace gatherings, the announcement underscores the centrality of Dubai Airshow as a platform for fleet expansion, financing and strategic partnerships. With the global fleet renewal cycle accelerating, driven by sustainability pressures, rising fuel costs and passenger demand dynamics African carriers such as Ethiopian are leveraging the event to secure long-term capacity commitments.

The strengthening of Ethiopian Airlines’ A350 fleet via Novus reflects the airline’s ongoing effort to modernise, expand and position itself as Africa’s leading global connector. For regional markets, the agreement supports a broader trend of capacity growth and increased integration into international aviation networks.

Outlook

The placement of two Airbus A350-900s with Ethiopian Airlines marks a calculated step in the carrier’s long-term growth strategy, enhancing its ability to serve expanding African, regional and intercontinental markets. It also highlights Novus Aviation Capital’s role in sourcing modern, efficient capacity for leading carriers. As global traffic rebounds and African aviation prepares for sustained expansion, the partnership between Novus and Ethiopian Airlines underscores the strategic value of next-generation aircraft in shaping the continent’s connectivity and competitiveness.