Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have confirmed an order for six additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft, as the carrier fully exercises options included in its 2023 agreement. The deal converts previously agreed commitments into a firm order, reinforcing the airline’s long-term fleet expansion strategy.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to deploy the 787-9 aircraft to grow its intercontinental network from its Addis Ababa hub while also boosting cargo capacity. The move comes amid sustained growth in long-haul travel demand, with the airline seeking to strengthen its position across key global markets.
Group Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew described the order as a significant milestone, noting that the decision reflects the airline’s continued trajectory of sustainable growth and its readiness for further expansion. He emphasised that investing in advanced aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 supports both operational efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort.
Ethiopian Airlines already operates the largest fleet of 787 Dreamliners in Africa, utilising both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants. These aircraft serve a wide range of intercontinental routes linking Addis Ababa with major destinations across Europe, Asia and North America, alongside important intra-African connections.
The additional aircraft will further modernise the airline’s fleet and increase capacity on high-demand routes, enabling Ethiopian to maintain its competitive edge as one of the continent’s leading carriers.
