Ethiopian to decide on regional jet order within three months

Dhaka: Ethiopian Airlines is expected to finalize an order for 25 smaller commercial jets within the next three months, CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele said on June 6.

Bekele made the remarks at a gathering of airline executives in Brazil, on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association's annual summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Africa's largest carrier, operating a fleet of 147 aircraft, is evaluating three contenders: the Airbus A220, Embraer E-Jet E2, and Boeing 737 MAX 7. The 737 MAX 7 is expected to receive U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification this year. The jets would serve both domestic routes and services to neighboring countries.

Bekele did not specify the issues holding back a final decision.

The airline has been grappling with sharply higher fuel costs stemming from the war in Iran, spending around 60% more on jet fuel system-wide. In response, it has trimmed some Middle East operations, cutting its Dubai service from three daily flights to two.

On fuel supply, however, Bekele struck a more reassuring tone. "We have addressed the supply issue. It is okay now," he said. "But the price issue is a serious issue."