Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines seal deal for 8 new 777-9 jets

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Today, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ethiopian Airlines unveiled a pact for the airline to acquire eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, with an option to purchase up to 12 more. This move marks Ethiopian Airlines as the inaugural customer for the 777X in Africa, further extending its fleet modernization and expansion efforts, which already include an order placed in 2023 for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX planes.

The 777-9, an evolution of the 777 model enhanced with technology from the 787 Dreamliner series, boasts new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines. These advancements afford the aircraft a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency and operating costs over its competitors, aligning with Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy to enhance and enlarge its fleet. This strategy aims at boosting its capacity for passengers and cargo, thereby facilitating expanded service to key markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by 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,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “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.”

Currently, Boeing aircraft constitute the majority of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet, which includes 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s, and 15 737 MAX jets. The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing extends beyond aircraft purchases, encompassing efforts to advance Ethiopia’s aerospace sector. This includes support for Ethiopian Airlines’ Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, industrial development initiatives, training programs at the Ethiopian Aviation University, STEM education, and the provision of aerospace exhibits for the Ethiopian Museum of Science.

“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, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook predicts that Africa will experience over 7% annual growth in air traffic through 2042, positioning it as the third fastest-growing region globally and surpassing the worldwide average growth rate of about 6%. The 777-9, with its impressive range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), is poised to unlock new growth avenues for airlines and enhance passenger experiences, capable of operating flights from Addis Ababa to distant locations such as Seattle, U.S.

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