AviationNews – Ethiopian Airlines has officially taken delivery of its first DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G turboprop aircraft from Canadian manufacturer De Havilland Canada. The addition of this versatile regional aircraft will significantly boost the carrier’s capacity to serve remote communities and operationally challenging runways across East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, finalized the order for two next-generation turboprops during the 2025 Paris Air Show. This initial aircraft, registered as C-FHYC, departed Canada in mid-June 2026 on its ferry flight to the airline’s main hub in Addis Ababa. The strategic acquisition directly supports the carrier’s broader push to enhance domestic connectivity, integrating isolated populations, lake regions, and prominent tourist hotspots into its expansive international flight network.
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G blends legendary short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance with a lighter airframe structure, unlocking increased payload capabilities for passengers and cargo. Pilots operate the aircraft via an advanced, integrated Garmin G1000 flight deck that features upgraded cockpit ergonomics and enhanced electrical architecture. These technical modernizations yield superior fuel efficiency and mission flexibility, allowing the airline to safely navigate rugged, unpaved runways that remain completely inaccessible to conventional commercial jets.
“The delivery of our first Twin Otter Classic 300-G is an important milestone in our regional growth strategy,” stated Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines. “This aircraft will enable us to better serve remote areas while supporting tourism, economic development, and essential air services throughout the region.“
The arrival of this turboprop marks the beginning of an targeted domestic fleet expansion, with the second ordered aircraft scheduled to join the fleet later in 2026. Ethiopian Airlines currently utilizes a fleet of approximately 30 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft to reach 22 domestic destinations. By deploying the newly acquired Twin Otters to smaller airfields, the airline intends to expand its domestic route network to 26 destinations, introducing regular air services to underserved towns such as Debre Markos, Negele Boran, and Gore.
The integration of the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G reinforces the position of Ethiopian Airlines as a leader in African aviation infrastructure. By bridging critical transport gaps in regions facing challenging ground geography, the airline secures reliable avenues for regional trade and medical transport. Moving forward, the carrier will continue to leverage its modernized regional fleet to transform Addis Ababa into a highly integrated domestic and global transit hub.
