Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have signed an agreement for the airline to purchase eight 777-9 passenger airplanes and the potential for up to 12 additional jets.
Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of 777-9 jets positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes to modernise and grow its fleet.
Based on the 777 and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 features new carbon-fibre composite wings and engines that will enable the airplane to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than the competition. The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Boeing airplanes make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s and 15 737 MAX jets.
Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing continue to explore opportunities to further develop the country’s aerospace industry, including support for Ethiopian Airlines’ MRO capabilities, industrial development, training capabilities at the Ethiopian Aviation University and STEM education, as well as equipping the Ethiopian Museum of Science with aerospace exhibits.
