Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have announced a significant agreement at the Dubai Airshow. The deal, which is the largest in African history, involves Ethiopian Airlines placing a firm order for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX airplanes, with the option to purchase an additional 15 and 21 jets, respectively. The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating that it aligns with the airline's growth plan and Vision 2035 Strategy.
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The order includes the 787-9 variant and the 737-8 model, both known for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. These aircraft will enhance the airline's existing fleet of over 80 Boeing jets, further solidifying Ethiopian Airlines' position as Africa's leading carrier.
In addition to the new aircraft, Boeing will also provide cabin modification services for Ethiopian Airlines' existing 787 Dreamliners, improving the in-flight experience with advanced entertainment and new seating arrangements. Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, praised Ethiopian Airlines for its leadership and expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two companies.
The 787-9 can carry 296 passengers over a distance of 14,010 km, while the 737-8 can accommodate up to 210 passengers and has a range of up to 6,480 km. Boeing's forecast for Africa predicts a need for 1,025 airplanes over the next 20 years, with single-aisle jets making up more than 70% of commercial deliveries.
