Ethiopian Airlines Signs Historic Boeing Deal for 787 Dreamliner and 737 Max Aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines, in a landmark move at the Dubai Airshow, announced a monumental agreement to purchase 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 Max airplanes, with options for an additional 15 and 21 jets, respectively on Nov. 14, 2023. This deal, the largest Boeing airplane purchase in African history, underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to fleet modernization and expansion.
Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement: “Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to confirm our order for 31 cutting-edge airplanes from Boeing, with the potential to add 36 more. This significant investment aligns with our growth strategy outlined in Vision 2035 and further cements our longstanding partnership with Boeing. Our choice of the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX reflects our dedication to providing passengers with the most environmentally friendly and technologically advanced aircraft.”
Ethiopian Airlines has chosen the 787-9 variant from the Dreamliner family, renowned for reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the airline will incorporate the 737-8 model into its fleet, known for a 20% reduction in fuel and emissions and a 50% decrease in noise footprint.
This new fleet expansion positions Ethiopian Airlines to continue leading in the African aviation sector. The airline boasts Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, featuring a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s. The latest order of 737 Max jets, increasing the backlog to 50, will be detailed on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website upon finalization.
The airline’s Boeing fleet as of Nov. 14, 2023:
- 787-8 operating 19
- 787-9 operating 10, on order 11
- 737-700 operating 9
- 737-800 operating 17
- 737-8 Max operating 11, on order 41, order includes 15 options
Boeing will also collaborate with Ethiopian Airlines to retrofit the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners, enhancing passenger experience with upgraded in-flight entertainment and new seating arrangements across all classes, including lie-flat business-class seats from Adient Aerospace.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, praised Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic decision: “Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate leadership in African aviation with this significant expansion of their 787 and 737 Max fleets. As the first African carrier to operate the 787, Ethiopian’s Dreamliner fleet is central to its long-haul operations. We value their trust in our aircraft and are proud of our enduring relationship spanning over seven decades.”
The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), in addition to carrying substantial cargo. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world.
The 737-8 carries up to 210 passengers depending on configuration and offers a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical miles).
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecast for Africa projects the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades; more than 70% of commercial deliveries are expected to be single-aisle jets. Africa’s overall air-traffic growth is forecast at 7.4% through 2042, third-highest among global regions and above the global average growth rate of 6.1%.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com