Ethiopian Airlines has reached an agreement with Boeing to purchase eight 777-9s, with the potential for up to 12 additional aircraft. It positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX aircraft to modernise and grow its fleet.
“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction,” said Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. “Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful to Boeing for their longstanding partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
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 aircraft to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs.
“Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing. “Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
