DUBAI- Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines revealed today that the airline has committed to acquiring 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX aircraft, with the potential for an additional 15 and 21 jets, respectively.
This landmark agreement, formalized at the Dubai Airshow, marks the most significant Boeing airplane purchase in the history of African aviation, underscoring Ethiopia’s national carrier’s commitment to fleet expansion.
Ethiopian Airlines Inks Major Deal
We are delighted to share that Ethiopian Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing to confirm an order for 31 cutting-edge airplanes, with the potential for an additional 36 jets,” announced Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
This strategic order aligns with our growth plan and Vision 2035 Strategy, facilitating the modernization and expansion of our fleet. By entering into this agreement, we reinforce our longstanding and exemplary business partnership with Boeing.
The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX selection underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to environmentally conscious decisions and providing passengers with state-of-the-art, technologically advanced aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines is set to acquire the 787-9 variant, a member of the Dreamliner family designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to its predecessor aircraft.
Additionally, the airline is incorporating the 737-8 model, known for a 20% reduction in fuel usage and emissions and a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the aircraft it replaces.
These additions to the fleet signify a commitment to enhanced environmental performance and improved passenger comfort across both aircraft families.
This fresh commitment places Ethiopian Airlines in a strategic position to enhance and diversify its existing fleet, which presently comprises over 80 Boeing aircraft.
As the operator of Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, featuring a combination of 787-8s and 787-9s, Ethiopian Airlines is set to expand its portfolio with the new 737 MAX order.
Upon finalization, the order for these fuel-efficient jets will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website, contributing to the airline’s backlog and reinforcing its commitment to modernizing and optimizing its fleet.
Boeing and Ethiopian Partner for Cabin Upgrades
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a collaboration to provide cabin modification services for the airline’s existing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
The extensive retrofits are designed to elevate the passenger experience by incorporating advanced in-flight entertainment and installing new seats across all cabins. This includes lie-flat business-class seats sourced from Boeing’s joint venture, Adient Aerospace.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, commented on Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expanding its 787 and 737 MAX fleets, affirming its status as a leading African airline.
Acknowledging Ethiopian Airlines as the first African carrier to receive the 787, McMullen highlighted the Dreamliner family’s integral role in the airline’s long-haul operations. The enduring partnership, spanning over 75 years, reflects the confidence Ethiopian Airlines places in Boeing’s products.
The 787-9, capable of accommodating 296 passengers over a range of 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), offers passenger comfort and substantial cargo capacity. Since its introduction in 2011, the 787 family has pioneered over 380 new nonstop routes globally.
The 737-8, with a capacity of up to 210 passengers and a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical miles), adds versatility to Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa forecasts a demand for 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades, with more than 70% of deliveries expected to be single-aisle jets.
Africa’s air-traffic growth is projected at 7.4% through 2042, ranking third-highest globally and surpassing the global average growth rate of 6.1%.”
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
