Ethiopian Airlines Orders 31 Boeing Jets, Including 737 MAX & 787

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

Ethiopian’s commitment will drive significant fleet consolidation as it moves toward next-generation aircraft.

Ethiopian Selects Many New Planes

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

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

Ethiopian ordered 20 737-8s, along with 11 more 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 this order also includes significant options that could be activated.

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

Renewed Confidence In The 737 MAX

A deal with Boeing for the 737 MAX is a key focus of this announcement.

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

However, the airline’s faith in the product now seems restored, with a renewed 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, according to the latest data from Cirium.

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

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

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.