Ethiopian Airlines Takes Delivery Of First Twin Otter Classic 300-G

Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, marking a significant step in the carrier’s efforts to expand domestic and regional connectivity across Ethiopia.

The aircraft, registered C-FHYC, is the first of two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft ordered from De Havilland Canada for the airline.

The acquisition follows an agreement announced during the Paris Air Show 2025 when Ethiopian Airlines confirmed plans to modernize and strengthen its domestic operations with the new-generation turboprop aircraft.

At the time of the signing, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, said the airline was “pleased” to reintroduce the enhanced version of the Twin Otter into its fleet.

“These versatile aircraft are designed to support tourism and offer a wide array of services, including air ambulance, airport calibration, and charter operations,” Tasew said. “Renowned for their proven reliability, the DHC-6-300G aircraft are capable of landing on airstrips unsuitable for larger aircraft models.”

The Twin Otter Classic 300-G is the latest evolution of the aircraft type, featuring a lighter airframe, increased payload capacity, improved fuel efficiency and greater operational flexibility, while retaining the short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities that have made the Twin Otter well suited for remote and challenging airfields.

The aircraft can be used in a cargo as well as passenger configuration, meaning it can be flown for humanitarian and medical purposes as well as commercial operations.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates services to 22 domestic destinations using its Dash 8-400 fleet. With the introduction of the new Twin Otters, Ethiopian plans to expand its domestic network to 26 destinations, including new airports at Debre Markos, Negele Boran and Gore.