Collins Aerospace announced a new premium‑seating contract with Ethiopian Airlines for 67 aircraft, comprising 11 Airbus A350‑900s outfitted with Collins Elevation suites and 56 Boeing 737 MAXs equipped with Collins Parallel Diamond business‑class seats. The announcement was made at the Dubai Air Show on November 18, 2025, and the deal will provide Ethiopian with a consistent, high‑end cabin experience across its long‑haul and short‑haul fleets.
The contract expands Collins Aerospace’s footprint in Africa and deepens its relationship with Ethiopia’s flagship carrier, the continent’s largest airline. By securing a deal with a carrier that is actively modernizing its fleet—adding new A350‑900s and 737 MAXs—Collins positions itself for future opportunities in a rapidly growing regional market. The partnership also signals RTX’s broader strategy of strengthening aftermarket and service relationships in key geographies.
From a financial perspective, the deal is expected to add a significant revenue stream to RTX’s commercial aerospace segment, which has shown robust growth and a healthy backlog in recent quarters. While the exact contract value is not disclosed, the scale of the order—67 aircraft—suggests a multi‑million‑dollar contribution that will support RTX’s revenue trajectory and reinforce its competitive position in the commercial aerospace market.
The new seating solutions enhance passenger experience by combining privacy, comfort, and space. Collins Elevation suites on the A350‑900s feature privacy doors and ample legroom, while the Parallel Diamond seats on the 737 MAXs transform into 78‑inch lie‑flat beds, offering a premium business‑class experience that aligns with Ethiopian’s commitment to world‑class service and innovation.
Collins will also provide aftermarket support and spare parts for the new seats, creating a long‑term service relationship that extends beyond the initial installation. Although the installation timeline has not been specified, the integration of these seats will likely coincide with the airlines’ scheduled maintenance cycles, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Management emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Global Airlines & Lessors at Collins Aerospace, said the solutions “are distinctly tailored to amplify Ethiopian’s brand and deliver a superior in‑flight experience.” Retta Melaku, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Operating Officer, added that the collaboration “will take our customers’ comfort to the next level, reflecting Ethiopian hospitality and innovation.”
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