Ethiopian Airlines has today agreed to a landmark order for 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 20 737-8 MAX jets, plus options for up to 36 more. This represents the largest order Boeing has ever received from an African carrier.
On Tuesday (November 14, 2023), from the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Boeing announced that Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to a landmark order for up to 67 airplanes, the largest-ever Boeing order from a carrier in Africa. The order includes 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX jets, plus options for up to 36 more. Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s. The new 737-8 order expands the airline’s MAX backlog to 50 jets and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website when finalized.
In Tuesday’s order announcement, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said,
“We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets. This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in support of Ethiopian Airlines' growth plan and our Vision 2035 Strategy. Through this deal, we have solidified our decades-old exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines' environmentally conscious decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest technologically advanced airplanes.”
Boeing’s SVP of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, added,
“Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets. Ethiopian was the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its long-haul fleet. With their decades of experience operating our single-aisle and widebody jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of collaboration.”
In addition to the new airplane order, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have agreed to work together to provide certain cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The comprehensive cabin retrofit will enhance the guest experience with an advanced IFE system and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat Business Class seats from Boeing joint venture partner, Adient Aerospace.
With 77 years of operations, 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.
Source(s): Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines