Ethiopian Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for two De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, marking the African carrier’s first acquisition of the latest generation of the legendary short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. The deal reinforces Ethiopian’s strategy to enhance regional connectivity across challenging terrain in Ethiopia and East Africa while supporting specialized missions including medical evacuations and airport calibration.
Expanding Regional Network Capabilities
The Twin Otter 300-Gs, equipped with amphibious landing gear, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to access remote airstrips and Ethiopia’s scenic lake regions with unprecedented frequency and reliability. The aircraft’s ability to operate from unprepared strips as short as 1,000 feet while carrying up to 19 passengers or equivalent cargo makes it ideally suited for connecting underserved communities across the Horn of Africa’s diverse topography.
Versatile Mission Configuration
Ethiopian Airlines plans to configure the aircraft for multiple specialized roles, including:
- Scheduled passenger services to remote destinations
- Air ambulance and medical evacuation operations
- Airport navigation aid calibration
- Humanitarian and charter missions
This multi-role capability aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to support socio-economic development while maintaining commercial viability on thin regional routes.
Proven Performance Meets Modern Innovation
The 300-G variant builds upon the Twin Otter’s 60-year legacy with:
- Enhanced Pratt & Canada PT6A-34 engines improving hot-and-high performance
- Modern Garmin G1000NXi avionics suite
- Increased maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs)
- Reduced maintenance requirements versus previous generations
These upgrades complement the aircraft’s legendary ruggedness while lowering operating costs—critical factors in Ethiopian Airlines’ selection process.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
De Havilland Canada Vice President Ryan DeBrusk noted the significance of bringing the Twin Otter back into Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet, highlighting the aircraft’s unmatched capabilities in Africa’s demanding operating environments. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized the 300-G’s alignment with the carrier’s dual objectives of expanding regional mobility while supporting national development priorities through specialized aviation services.
Global Impact of Twin Otter Legacy
With over 600 aircraft delivered across 100 countries, the Twin Otter platform has become the global standard for remote region operations. The 300-G variant continues this tradition while addressing modern operator requirements for improved efficiency, dispatch reliability, and lifecycle costs—features that position Ethiopian Airlines to sustainably grow its regional network in the coming decade. The deliveries, scheduled for 2025, will make Ethiopian one of the first African carriers to operate the latest Twin Otter generation.
