Ethiopian Airlines Expands Domestic Fleet with Twin Otter Classic 300-G

Africa's largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of the first of two new De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, marking a further investment in regional and domestic connectivity across Ethiopia.

The first aircraft was delivered in Addis Ababa on 22 June and will be used to strengthen air services to remote communities while supporting a range of specialised aviation missions. A second aircraft is expected to join the fleet in the coming months.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the new Twin Otter Classic 300-G will complement its existing domestic network by serving destinations where larger aircraft are not economically viable or where runway infrastructure is limited. In addition to scheduled passenger services, the aircraft will be configured for charter operations to tourism destinations, airport calibration flights, aerial surveys, air ambulance services and other specialised missions.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the acquisition supports the airline's strategy of improving domestic accessibility while expanding its ability to provide essential aviation services throughout the country.

The Twin Otter has earned a longstanding reputation as one of the world's most capable short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft. Designed to operate from short, unprepared and remote airstrips, the latest Classic 300-G variant combines the aircraft's proven ruggedness with modern avionics and improved operating efficiency.

Among the aircraft's key upgrades are the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, redesigned lightweight cabin seating, upgraded electrical systems and improved cockpit ergonomics. These enhancements are intended to reduce pilot workload while increasing operational flexibility across a wide variety of missions.

Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, said the Twin Otter's reliability and ability to operate in challenging environments make it well-suited to Ethiopian Airlines' operational requirements across East Africa.

The addition of the Twin Otter further diversifies Ethiopian Airlines' already extensive fleet, which includes aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, alongside regional turboprops such as the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400. The airline operates an extensive domestic network alongside one of Africa's largest international route systems, serving more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide.

For many African operators, the Twin Otter remains one of the most practical aircraft available for connecting isolated communities. Its ability to carry meaningful payloads while operating from short gravel or grass runways has made it a mainstay in humanitarian operations, tourism, medical evacuations and remote passenger services across the continent. The aircraft's versatility is particularly valuable in countries with challenging terrain or limited airport infrastructure, where reliable year-round air access is essential for economic development and public services.

While the acquisition is aimed at strengthening Ethiopian domestic operations, the aircraft's capabilities are equally relevant to Southern Africa. South Africa has relatively well-developed airport infrastructure, but neighbouring countries and remote regions continue to rely on rugged utility aircraft for access to mining operations, conservation areas, game reserves and rural communities.

Aircraft such as the Twin Otter could also play an important role in specialised operations, including aerial survey work, environmental monitoring, medical evacuation, humanitarian support and tourism, particularly in areas where conventional regional airliners cannot operate efficiently.

As African aviation continues to focus on improving connectivity beyond major cities, versatile STOL aircraft are likely to remain an important part of the continent's regional aviation landscape, complementing larger jets by linking underserved communities to national and international transport networks.