Ethiopian Airlines Announces Big Boeing Order

Ethiopian Airlines announced on Day 2 of the 2023 Dubai Airshow a significant order for aircraft from Boeing.

A commitment from Ethiopian will see significant consolidation across its fleet as it moves towards next-generation aircraft.

Ethiopian Selects Many New Planes

As part of continued fleet expansion plans, Ethiopian Airlines has committed to two aircraft types from the American plane maker.

Ethiopian Airlines has selected the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to aid its future narrow and widebody growth plans.

20 737-8s have been ordered, alongside a further 11 787-9s at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

The airline, however, has also committed to additional growth potential by adding many options to the deal.

Ethiopian says there’ll also be a significant opportunity for options included in this order to be activated.

As a result, the total deal consists of up to 67 aircraft, including firm and options that the airline could activate in the long term.

Renewed Confidence In The 737 MAX

A deal with Boeing for the 737 MAX is a specific focal point of this announcement.

Ethiopian Airlines was significantly impacted by the crisis involving the MAX aircraft, which saw the tragic downing of their aircraft and substantial loss of life.

However, the airline’s faith in the product is now seemingly restored with a further commitment to the popular narrowbody worldwide.

Comments From Executives

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.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.

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.

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

The Ethiopian Airlines Fleet

Ethiopian Airlines flies a fleet of 123 in-service planes, per latest data from Cirium.

As part of its current fleet, the airline’s most significant fleet type, measured by active units, is the Dash 8 Q400.

However, for its jet-powered fleet, the company flies 20 A350-900s already, a solid commitment to the popular widebody from Airbus.

These only beat out the 787-8 Dreamliner with 19 units and the 737-8 with 13. However, the commitment to the MAX is now only scheduled to grow.