Becomes the first African airline to select the 777X
Ethiopian Airlines Group and Boeing have signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of the latest Boeing 777-9 airplanes. The agreement includes the purchase of eight 777-9 passenger airplanes and the potential for up to 12 additional jets by Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian.”
Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of the 777X positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes in growing its modern fleet.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation for adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. 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 long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
ET says The 777-9 will support its 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.” As part of its Vision 2035, Ethiopian is planning to fly to more than 209 international destinations and operating more than 271 modern and eco-friendly aircraft.
Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: “Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777- 9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet. Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
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.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Africa’s overall air traffic growth at “more than 7% through 2042 ─ the third highest growth rate among global regions and above the global average growth rate of approximately 6%.”
