DUBAI- Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has committed to 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, supporting future growth from Addis Ababa (ADD).
Air Senegal (HC) has also confirmed a plan to purchase nine Boeing 737 MAX jets to expand service from Dakar (DSS) into Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Two African Airlines Boeing Orders
Ethiopian Airlines signed for 11 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to reinforce its regional and long haul network. The airline continues to rely on the 737 MAX fleet to support high frequency routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe.
Boeing highlighted the long partnership with the carrier and noted that Ethiopian operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent.
Air Senegal is committed to nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft in what will become its largest single fleet purchase once finalized. The new aircraft will support regional expansion and allow the carrier to introduce longer sectors from Dakar into Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The 737-8 range and fuel efficiency also position Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities more competitively.
Ethiopian Airlines Fleet Growth Drivers
Ethiopian Airlines outlined its objective to strengthen its Addis Ababa hub with efficient narrowbody aircraft that support quick turnarounds and improved connectivity.
The carrier holds the largest Boeing aircraft backlog in Africa, including 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 models. Boeing stated that the renewed order shows Ethiopian’s continued leadership in the region.
Air Senegal Network and Fleet Strategy
Air Senegal’s acquisition fits its plan to modernize its narrowbody fleet while improving Dakar’s position as a West African aviation hub. The 737-8 can seat up to 178 passengers in two classes and fly up to 3,500 nautical miles, enabling new intercontinental routes.
Boeing noted that the aircraft’s lower fuel burn and smaller noise footprint improve operational viability for new markets.
Market Outlook for Africa
Boeing’s 2025 market forecast indicates demand for more than 1,200 new aircraft across Africa over the next twenty years.
More than 70 percent of expected deliveries fall within the single aisle category, driven by strong economic growth and a young population across the continent.
Emirates $38 Billion Order
Emirates Airline (EK) placed a 38 billion dollar order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025, strengthening its position as the largest operator of the Boeing 777 family. The announcement was made on the opening day of the event at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The order gives Emirates Airline (EK) added flexibility to convert part of the purchase to the 777-8 or proposed 777-10, reinforcing Boeing’s study for the larger variant and supporting long-term fleet growth tied to DXB’s global hub strategy.
Emirates Expands Its 777X Commitment
The new agreement raises Emirates’ Boeing widebody backlog to 315 aircraft. This includes 270 Boeing 777X jets, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s. The airline also increased its GE9X engine commitments to 540 units, maintaining its status as the largest GE9X customer.
The purchase is positioned as a long-term investment in US aerospace production, supporting workers across multiple states. Emirates highlighted the operational need for larger and more efficient aircraft to handle rising global passenger demand and capacity limits at major hubs.
The ability to shift future orders between the 777-9, 777-8, and the proposed 777-10 gives the airline flexibility to match expected traffic patterns.
Executives stressed Emirates’ long-term fleet strategy, which includes receiving its first 777-9 in the second quarter of 2027. The airline aims to maintain a young, modern fleet equipped with advanced cabin products. Boeing and GE leaders pointed to Emirates’ influence in shaping the next generation of widebody aircraft through its scale and long partnership with both manufacturers.
Delivery Schedule and Fleet Outlook
Emirates has flown every version of the Boeing 777 since the airline introduced the type more than 40 years ago. Its current fleet includes 119 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 777-200LRs, and 11 Boeing 777 freighters. These aircraft support a global network that links Dubai to more than 140 destinations across six continents.
The airline’s delivery pipeline for Boeing aircraft now extends through 2038. Production of the 777X and GE9X engines supports jobs across multiple US states, including Washington, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, and Alabama.
Emirates expects the expanded 777X fleet to drive its next phase of growth as demand increases across long haul markets.
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