Russia seeks Ethiopian Airlines partnership amid sanctions limiting access to Western aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 120 active aircraft—including Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 777s—and has orders for more than 60 additional planes. As part of its strategy to become "Africa's Aviation Hub by 2033," the ECAA is negotiating with international partners to boost growth. Alongside talks with Russia, ECAA representatives also met recently with North Korean officials; these meetings coincide with the first nonstop flight between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Western sanctions have left much of Russia’s airline fleet grounded due to a lack of access to modern jets or replacement parts. While some issues are being addressed through domestic production of parts or acquiring Russian-made aircraft like the MC-21, concerns remain about reliance on aging airplanes. For example, on July 24 an Antonov An-24 built in 1976 crash-landed in eastern Russia resulting in fatalities.

With traditional markets closed off—such as those in the United States and European Union—Russian airlines are increasing their focus on routes within Asia and Africa. Bilateral trade between Russia and Ethiopia grew by nearly 40% during the first ten months of 2024 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1324282/russia-trade-turnover-with-ethiopia/), reflecting deepening economic ties between the two countries.

The potential partnership with Ethiopian Airlines could help address some of Russia’s aviation challenges while supporting Moscow’s broader geopolitical ambitions across Africa. Both China and Russia have expanded their presence on the continent through trade deals and other agreements.

"Ethiopian Airlines is one of the continent's fastest-growing carriers and boasts a very modern fleet of Western-made jets," according to industry sources familiar with ongoing negotiations.