Overview

• Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew on August 6 denied any discussions to lease aircraft or spare parts to Russian airlines, calling the reports unfounded.
• The carrier stressed that it operates in full compliance with U.S. sanctions and applicable international aviation laws to avoid risking penalties.
• Media outlets reported that a Russian delegation met with the Ethiopian regulator last month to seek an ACMI lease, but Ethiopian Airlines says no talks ever took place.
• The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority clarified it lacks the authority to compel the airline into any leasing arrangements.
• Moscow has been approaching neutral countries to secure Boeing and Airbus jets and parts under ACMI deals to bypass Western embargoes imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.