Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 21, 2025 — Ethiopian Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, in a move aimed at boosting regional accessibility and expanding the airline’s operational versatility across East Africa. The order marks the first time the Canadian-built Twin Otter will enter the airline’s fleet.

Configured in an amphibious setup, the 300-G aircraft will enable the state-owned carrier to serve Ethiopia’s remote airstrips, lakeside regions, and highland terrain with greater efficiency. The aircraft’s Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities make it well-suited for missions in rugged and infrastructure-limited environments.

“This acquisition aligns with our vision to deepen domestic and regional connectivity,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “The Twin Otter 300-G’s proven performance and multi-mission profile will allow us to better serve isolated communities while also supporting key growth sectors such as tourism, health, and logistics.”

The aircraft—manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada—is equipped with updated avionics and can be rapidly configured for various missions, including charter flights, medevac operations, aerial calibration, and water landings. The amphibious capability, in particular, opens up access to Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley lakes and island settlements previously unreachable by conventional aircraft.

For Ethiopian Airlines, which has built one of Africa’s most sophisticated long-haul networks, the move underscores a renewed focus on domestic mobility and equitable infrastructure development. The airline has increasingly invested in smaller aircraft and secondary hubs to complement its international dominance.

The first Twin Otter 300-G aircraft are expected to be delivered later this year, with operational deployment targeting key underserved routes and remote economic corridors.