Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Boost Long-Haul

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a new order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reinforcing Africa’s largest airline’s long-haul growth strategy as global travel demand continues to rise. The deal was finalised in December 2025 and disclosed on Jan. 20.

The latest purchase follows Ethiopian Airlines’ previously announced commitment for 11 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, revealed at the Dubai Airshow. Together, the two transactions add 20 new fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft to the airline’s order book, further strengthening its position as the continent’s largest Boeing customer.

Ethiopian Airlines plans to deploy the newly ordered Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft—specifically the 787-9 variant—to expand its long-haul network, which currently serves 145 international destinations. The airline already operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, flying both 787-8 and 787-9 models on intercontinental routes linking Addis Ababa with Europe, Asia, North America, and key intra-African markets.

“We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby strengthening our customer service. We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”

Boeing highlighted the strategic importance of Ethiopian Airlines within the global aviation market and Africa’s expanding connectivity. “The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines worldwide,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. “We are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in connecting Africa with the global community through advanced, efficient, and comfortable airplanes.”

The 787 Dreamliner is designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by around 25% compared with the aircraft it replaces. Its range and efficiency enable airlines to operate long-distance, point-to-point routes while also carrying significant belly-hold cargo, supporting high-demand trade lanes across Africa and beyond.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has helped airlines launch more than 520 new nonstop routes between previously unserved city pairs and has carried over one billion passengers globally.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa and also holds the continent’s largest backlog of Boeing aircraft, including the 737 Max, 777X, and additional 787 Dreamliners. The latest order further cements its role as a key driver of African aviation growth and global connectivity.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com