Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest and most successful airline, has added two De Havilland Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to its fleet, indicating a significant expansion of its domestic and regional operations. The purchase agreement signed this month will introduce the latest evolution of the iconic twin-Otter aircraft family to Ethiopian activities for the first time.
The acquisition highlights Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to improving connectivity to remote and underserved regions in Ethiopia and East Africa, leveraging Twin Otter's exceptional short takeoff and landing capabilities, rugged performance and modern avionics.
“We are pleased to announce that we are pleased to announce that we are pleased to announce that we are pleased to announce that we are pleased to announce that we are offering a stake in the stakes of our customers,” said Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The Twin Otter 300-G offers excellent operational flexibility, especially for challenging terrain, scenic lakes and small airports where large aircraft cannot operate efficiently.”
Strategic investment in regional access
The Twin Otter 300-G represents the latest advancements in De Havilland Canada's renowned utility aircraft. It is renowned for its reliability in harsh conditions and its ability to operate from short dirt runways, lakes and robust outposts.
New aircraft ordered by Ethiopian airlines will be equipped with amphibious landing gear, allowing operation on both land and water. It is especially valuable to reach Ethiopia's Great Lift Valley Lakes and support remote tourism initiatives. The versatility of aircraft also allows passengers, freight, air ambulances, airport calibration and charter services, making it ideal for the wide range of Aviation needs of Ethiopia.
Ryan DeBrask, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, welcomed the deal and said, “We are honored that Twin Otter is flying again in the colouring of Ethiopian airlines. Their confidence in the 300G speaks to the aircraft's well-known reputation for reliability and adaptability in challenging environments.”
Renew the heritage
Ethiopian Airlines is familiar with twin otters. In the past, early generations of aircraft have flew under the banners, supporting both domestic travel and major national development initiatives. This acquisition of the 300-G variant marks a return to its legacy with modernised features.
The Twin Otter Family offers over 600 units worldwide and has been successful in a diverse range of environments, ranging from Canada's Arctic Circle to the Pacific Islands and Africa's highlands. Our proven track record is one of the most reliable utility aircraft in the world.
The 300-G variant is built on this legacy, enhancing payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and upgraded glass cockpits to support today's regulatory and operational demands. This model is certified for single pilot operations, reducing crew costs while maintaining operational safety.
Supports socioeconomic growth
Ethiopian Airlines' decision to bring twin otters back into the fleet is in line with a wider push to strengthen the Ethiopian government's national infrastructure and promote regional economic activity. Improved air connections are expected to not only enhance tourism opportunities for Ethiopia's historic and scenic destinations, but also increase humanitarian efforts, medical evacuation capabilities and cargo logistics to rural areas.
In addition to commercial use, Ethiopian governments and humanitarian agencies are expected to benefit from the versatility of aircraft, further strengthening the role of Ethiopian Airlines in national development.
The broader context of African Aviation
The move also highlights a wider trend in regional aviation in Africa. While many airlines on the continent focus on international expansion and acquisitions of widebody aircraft, few people have equally prioritized the development of robust domestic feeder networks. The Ethiopian approach has taken over that trend, positioning airlines as a comprehensive provider across long-haul, regional and now ultra-shorthall domestic operations.
With increasing calls for greater connectivity within Africa, Ethiopian airlines are gaining more acquisitions of multi-use aircraft like twin otters, particularly under frameworks like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), they are solidifying their leadership in building sustainable, all-powerful African aviation ecosystems.
