Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline group, has taken delivery of the first of two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. The strategic fleet expansion is aimed directly at boosting domestic connectivity, expanding regional tourism and unlocking access to some of the country’s most remote territories.

According to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, the acquisition will perfectly complement the carrier’s extensive existing domestic network. Designed as a highly flexible, multi-purpose workhorse, the newly arrived aircraft will be deployed across a wide range of specialized operations. Beyond regular regional passenger transport and charter flights to prominent tourist hubs, the aircraft is slated to support critical infrastructure and community missions including airport calibration, aerial surveys and air ambulance medical evacuations.

The Twin Otter Classic 300-G represents the latest evolution of De Havilland Canada’s legendary utility aircraft. While it retains the rugged, dependable airframe design and exceptional Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) performance that made the original Twin Otter famous, the 300-G generation introduces significant technological updates. The flight deck features a fully integrated Garmin G1000 avionics suite, which provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness and upgraded cockpit ergonomics. Passengers will also experience a modernized interior equipped with brand-new, lightweight cabin seats that maximize comfort while reducing overall weight to allow for a greater cargo and fuel payload capability.

Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, expressed strong confidence in the partnership, noting that the aircraft’s proven reliability and resilience in harsh geographical environments make it exceptionally well suited for the diverse topography of East Africa. This delivery marks the official entry of the 300-G variant into Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet, underscoring a continuous commitment to bridging transport gaps and fostering regional economic integration.