Ethiopian Airlines orders six Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Ethiopian Airlines is moving ahead on the purchase of six Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets as the airline fully exercises commitments from a 2023 order.

According to an announcement from the airline and Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines will use the 787-9 jets to expand its intercontinental network from Addis Ababa and increase cargo capacity as demand for long-haul travel continues to rise.

“Converting the options of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes into a firm order is truly a proud moment for us,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a news release. “The order shows Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainable growth and preparation for further achievements. By growing our fleet size with ultra-modern airplanes such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, we are further maintaining operational excellence and passengers’ comfort.”

Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa’s largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, flying its 787-8 and 787-9 jets on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to high-demand destinations across Europe, Asia and North America as well as key intra-African routes spanning the world’s second-largest continent, the release said.

“We’re proud that Ethiopian Airlines continues to look to the 787 Dreamliner to serve as the backbone of their fleet as they grow and modernize their operations, open new routes and comfortably serve more passengers,” Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Africa, said in the release.

Boeing says the 787 Dreamliner’s versatility and reduced fuel use enable Ethiopian Airlines to efficiently transport passengers point-to-point across Africa while accommodating cargo in the belly of the airplane for high-demand trade lanes.

Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing announced a deal to purchase 11 of the North Charleston-made Dreamliners and 20 of the 737 Max planes made in Washington state. That agreement also made room for the possible purchase of 36 more jets.

Ethiopian Airlines Group is one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally and the leading aviation group in Africa, the company says. Currently, Ethiopian reaches over 145 global destinations and owns more than 170 ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft with an average fleet age of seven years.