Ethiopian Airlines has signed lease agreements for two 737 MAX 8 aircraft with CDB Aviation.
The two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026 and will support the airline’s fleet growth towards more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines is the largest airline in Africa, with a total operating fleet of 167 aircraft, including 27 737 MAX aircraft. Prior to the CDB Aviation announcement, it had 64 aircraft on order, including 34 737 MAX 8s.
“The African aviation market is primed for a rapid surge in growth, with a population that increasingly wants to fly, for business and pleasure,” Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation.
“With continued investments fuelling the growth of its fleet, Ethiopian is well-positioned to increase connectivity across the continent, making travel more accessible.”
CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing).