Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an agreement for eight 777-9 passenger jets, with the potential for an additional 12 jets building on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a significant agreement for the East African carrier to purchase eight 777-9 passenger airplanes, with the potential for an additional 12 jets. This deal solidifies Ethiopian Airlines as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes, demonstrating its commitment to modernize and expand its fleet.
The selection of 777-9 jets by Ethiopian Airlines showcases its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational performance, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. The 777-9, based on the 777 platform and incorporating advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, features new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines that contribute to 10% better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to competitors. These characteristics align with Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to grow and renew its fleet, addressing high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines Group. “We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond,” he further added.
Ethiopian Airlines has been a long-time customer of Boeing, with more than half of its current fleet consisting of Boeing aircraft, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s, and 15 737 MAX jets. Beyond the commercial aspect, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines are exploring opportunities to contribute to the development of Ethiopia’s aerospace industry. This includes supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, industrial development, training programs at the Ethiopian Aviation University, and STEM education initiatives.
Brad McMullen, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing said, “Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet. Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
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Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts robust growth in Africa’s annual air traffic, exceeding 7% through 2042 – the third-highest growth rate globally, surpassing the global average of approximately 6%. With its range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), the 777-9 provides growth opportunities for airlines, offering enhanced features for passengers. Notably, the aircraft enables direct flights from Addis Ababa to destinations as far as Seattle in the United States.
