Ethiopian Airlines will expand their widebody fleet with up to 20 Boeing 777X jets, including a commitment for eight 777-9s and options for up to 12 more. Ethiopian becomes the first African customer for the new fuel-efficient 777X airplane.
On Tuesday (March 5, 2024), Boeing announced that Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for up to 20 Boeing 777X airplanes, including a commitment for eight 777-9s, and purchase options for up to 12 more. With the new order, Ethiopian becomes the first African customer for the highly fuel-efficient 777X passenger jet. This order follows Ethiopian Airlines’ 2023 order for 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX Family airplanes.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said,
“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
Also commenting on the new 777X order, Boeing’s SVP – Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, said,
“Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet. Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
Based on the popular 777 airplane, with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner Family, the 777-9 incorporates new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines to deliver a 10 percent reduction in fuel use versus the competition. The 777-9 will support Ethiopian’s plans to renew and grow their fleet in size range, and capacity for both passengers and cargo. Over half of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet is comprised of Boeing airplanes, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 737NGs, and 15 737 MAX Family jets.
Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing airline in Africa. The carrier commands the largest share of Pan-African passenger and cargo service and operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. In addition to their main hub in Addis Ababa, the carrier is also pursuing a multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines, and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian serves over 150 destinations across five continents with a fleet of ultra-modern fuel efficient aircraft including Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-200 Freighters and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s. The airline’s fleet has an average age of seven years and Ethiopian was the first African carrier to operate all of the previously mentioned aircraft types.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines