As Africa's aviation sector undergoes rapid transformation, Ethiopia is emerging as a strategic hub of innovation and connectivity. Embraer, one of the world's leading providers of regional jets, sees great potential in the Ethiopian market and wants to deepen its involvement with the country's aerial ecosystem.
In an exclusive interview with Capital on the sidelines of the 81st IATA Annual Meeting held in New Delhi, India, Embraer Commercial Airlines, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Airlines, highlighted a pivotal role in shaping the future of African Air Travel in Ethiopia. “Connectivity will be important. We are the number one provider of aircraft under 150 seats in Africa and we believe there is a great opportunity in Ethiopia,” he said. “So I've been there a few times to meet with the airlines and the wider aviation sector. We're excited to be able to do it there.”
Known for its versatility and efficiency, the emblem-based aircraft is already a mainstay across African skies. Their right-sized jets, such as the E-JET and the ERJ family, are particularly suitable for networks of diverse thin routes on the continent, providing the flexibility to optimize operations for airlines. “There are many routes in Africa that can actually operate on thinner, smaller aircraft. Our electronic jets and 50 ERJ145s are still flying alongside multiple operators in Africa, and the market on a daily scale really benefits from the benefits of its right-sized aircraft,” the CEO explained.
Ethiopian Airlines, widely regarded as the leading African airline, has become the focus of Embraer's African ambitions. “We have been working with Ethiopian Airlines for over a decade. We don't have aircraft yet, but we work closely together to understand future needs and see how we can adjust the solution to best support and coordination,” the CEO said. He emphasized that the company's approach is to provide aircraft only when it offers clear benefits, rather than pushing products that do not fit the airline's strategy.
Funding remains a challenge for many African airlines, but the CEO has expressed confidence in Ethiopia's strong position. “I think there are far fewer challenges out there as Ethiopian airlines are very strong. There are different ways to fund aircraft. “It may be a little more difficult than the rest of the world, but that's natural. The opportunities in Africa far outweigh the challenges.”
Embraer is keen to expand partnerships and supply chains across Ethiopia and the continent. “We see opportunities all over the world to work with partners, including Ethiopia. We have seen places where local suppliers can help us in our supply chain. It's too early to pinpoint exactly where they are, but Embler is on a clear path of growth and is happy to talk about those opportunities,” he said.
The CEO also emphasized the importance of North-South cooperation, particularly between Brazil and Ethiopia. “There is a very good connection between South-South countries, in this case Ethiopia and Brazil. Both countries have large aviation pedigrees, so it's almost natural that there is a strong connection. We're going to develop it further.
Embraer's vision for Africa includes not only selling aircraft, but also building long-term relationships and creating jobs. “When you buy an aircraft from us, you're part of a partnership that lasts for over 20 years. That means you're working with maintenance, services, training, and even developing local suppliers. We have products and growth potential, not just building long-term relationships between the aircraft and the country, but we're at risk.”
As Ethiopia continues to invest in its transport network and expand its reach as a regional hub, Embraer is ready to support the country's ambitions. “We pay great respect to what Ethiopian airlines and what Ethiopia is doing. Our aircraft can really complement the larger, narrow body fleet and ultimately replace the turboprop fleet. Not only from a business perspective, but also for passengers, we look forward to seeing the aircraft stillest and Ethiopians flying.
