Russia Fails to Secure Aircraft Lease Deal from Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has turned down a Russian request to lease passenger aircraft, citing internal expansion needs and potential repercussions tied to international sanctions.

The Gaze writes about it, referring to Addis Insight.

Russia had approached Ethiopian authorities in an effort to secure commercial aircraft, as Western sanctions continue to isolate the country’s aviation sector. 

While Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority acknowledged holding preliminary talks with a Russian delegation, it clarified that it does not hold the authority to compel the national carrier to lease its planes.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, denied reports that the airline had engaged in any official leasing negotiations with Russia. 

In a statement to reporters, he confirmed that no agreements were signed during the meeting.

Tasew emphasized two key reasons for the refusal: the airline's current need for additional aircraft due to its own rapid growth, and the legal and operational risks associated with U.S. sanctions on Russia.

“Russia is under U.S. sanctions, and Ethiopian Airlines maintains strong commercial and operational ties with the United States,” Tasew explained.

Following Western sanctions, Russian airlines lost access to Boeing and Airbus services, which previously made up over two-thirds of the country’s civilian fleet and accounted for 90% of its passenger traffic.

In response, Moscow has sought alternative solutions, including the development of domestic aircraft.

However, a recent leaked protocol from a Russian transport ministry meeting revealed that the prices of domestically produced aircraft have soared by 45–70% in the past two years.

Russian officials have even floated proposals to repurpose passenger aircraft for military use, including potential modifications to carry cruise missiles or perform long-range radar and reconnaissance operations.

Read more on The Gaze: How Sanctions Against Russia Taught the West Dynamic Financial Blockades