Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Twin Otter in latest fleet expansion push
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has confirmed the delivery of the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to Africa’s biggest airline, Ethiopian.
The addition of two Twin Otters will help the airline, which is currently expanding its network, to provide access to remote communities, including the lake regions across Ethiopia and East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken the delivery of its first De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300-G Twin Otter Classic (Serial Number: 1002).
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 16, 2026
Registered as C-FHYC, Ethiopian Express’ new Twin Otter, is currently on its ferry flight from Canada to Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Airlines had ordered two… pic.twitter.com/dxgiH6HMzo
Ethiopian Airlines placed an order for the aircraft at the Paris Air Show in 2025. With the delivery of the first aircraft, registered C-FHYC, now complete, a second aircraft is slated for delivery later this year
Why the Twin Otter is Ethiopian’s ideal choice for remote and challenging environments
The latest generation of the Twin Otter, the Classic 300-G boasts short take-off and landing (STOL) performance. It also features a Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, upgraded cockpit ergonomics, and lightweight cabin seats, making it ideal for serving remote communities in challenging environments.
The lighter airframe and increased payload capacity are designed to transport passengers, cargo, and perform special missions.
The delivery of the Twin Otter marks an “important milestone” for the airline’s regional growth strategy, according to Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
“It will enable us to better serve remote areas while supporting tourism, economic development, and essential air services throughout the region.”
Tasew was joined by Ryan deBrusk, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada. He thanked the Ethiopian carrier for its confidence and investment in the aircraft type and reiterated that the acquisition will enable the airline to operate reliably in remote regions.
“We value the trust Ethiopian Airlines has placed in De Havilland Canada and look forward to supporting their continued growth and commitment to connecting communities throughout East Africa,” deBrusk said.
Ethiopian operates the youngest fleet in Africa
The Twin Otters will complement the carrier’s existing fleet of Dash 8-400 aircraft, which currently serve 22 domestic destinations. The airline plans to increase its domestic network to 26 destinations.
Ethiopian operates the youngest fleet in Africa. The total fleet, which comprises a range of narrowbodies, widebodies and regional jets, exceeds 170 aircraft and includes Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as around 30 De Havilland Dash 8-400s for its regional and domestic operations, feeding into its hub in Addis Ababa. The airline currently serves over 145 global destinations.
Featured image: Ethiopian Airlines
