As Africa’s aviation sector undergoes rapid transformation, Ethiopia is emerging as a strategic hub for innovation and connectivity. Embraer, the world’s leading provider of regional jets, sees immense potential in the Ethiopian market and is eager to deepen its engagement with the country’s aviation ecosystem.
In an exclusive interview with Capital at the sidelines of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting that took place in New Delhi, India From 1-3 June, the President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation highlighted Ethiopia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of African air travel. “Connectivity will be key. We are the number one provider of aircraft below 150 seats in Africa, and we see huge opportunities with Ethiopia,” he said. “That’s why I’ve been out there a few times to meet with the airline and the broader aviation sector. We’re excited about what we can do there.”
Embraer’s aircraft, known for their versatility and efficiency, are already a mainstay across African skies. Their right-sized jets, such as the E-Jet and ERJ families, are particularly well-suited for the continent’s diverse network of thinner routes, offering airlines the flexibility to optimize their operations. “There are a lot of routes in Africa that are thinner and could really work with a smaller aircraft. Our E-Jets and 50-seater ERJ145s are still flying with several operators in Africa, and they really benefit from the advantages of that right-sized aircraft for markets that require such a size on a day-to-day basis,” the CEO explained.
Ethiopian Airlines, widely regarded as Africa’s leading carrier, has been a focal point for Embraer’s African ambitions. “We’ve been working with Ethiopian Airlines for over a decade. Even though we don’t have aircraft there yet, we work closely to understand their needs for the future and see how we can best support and tailor our solutions,” the CEO noted. He emphasized that the company’s approach is to offer aircraft only where they bring clear benefits, rather than pushing products that don’t fit an airline’s strategy.
Financing remains a challenge for many African airlines, but the CEO expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s strong position. “Ethiopian Airlines is a very strong airline, so I see much less of a challenge there. We have different ways to finance aircraft—direct purchase, export agency financing, or through our leasing partners who are happy to do business in Africa,” he said. “It might be a little more difficult in some areas than in other parts of the world, but that’s natural. The opportunities in Africa far outweigh the challenges.”
Looking ahead, Embraer is keen to expand its partnerships and supply chain in Ethiopia and across the continent. “We see opportunities around the world to work with partners, including in Ethiopia. We’ve been looking at where local suppliers could help us in the supply chain. It’s too early to pinpoint exactly where those will be, but Embraer has a clear growth path and we’re happy to talk about those opportunities,” he said.
The CEO also underscored the importance of South-South cooperation, particularly between Brazil and Ethiopia. “There’s a very good connection between South-South countries, in this case, Ethiopia and Brazil. Both nations have a great aviation pedigree, so it’s almost natural that there would be a powerful connection. We’re part of trying to develop that further—not just through aircraft, but by bringing infrastructures closer together.”
Embraer’s vision for Africa includes not just selling aircraft, but building long-term relationships and creating jobs. “When you buy an aircraft from us, you’re entering into a partnership that lasts 20-plus years. That means working together on maintenance, services, training, and even developing local suppliers. We believe with the product we have and the growth potential ahead, there’s much more at stake than just buying an aircraft—it’s about building a long-term relationship with airlines and countries.”
As Ethiopia continues to invest in its transportation network and expand its reach as a regional hub, Embraer stands ready to support the country’s ambitions. “We have huge respect for Ethiopian Airlines and what Ethiopia is doing. Our aircraft can really complement their larger narrowbody fleet and ultimately replace the turboprop fleet. We’re excited about the opportunities there—not just from a business perspective, but for passengers as well. Our aircraft are the quietest and most spacious in their class, and we look forward to seeing more Ethiopians flying on Embraer jets,” the CEO concluded.
