DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ethiopian
Airlines today announced the carrier has agreed to order 11
787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity
for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed
by Ethiopia's national carrier at
the Dubai Airshow, represents the
largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.
"We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached
a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern
airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets," said Ethiopian
Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.
"This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in
support of Ethiopian Airlines' growth plan and our Vision 2035
Strategy. Through this deal, we have solidified our decades-old
exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and
737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines' environmentally conscious
decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest
technologically advanced airplanes."
Ethiopian is ordering the 787-9 variant, part of a Dreamliner
family that reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the
airplanes it replaces. The carrier is also adding the 737-8 model,
which reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% and creates a 50%
smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces. Both
families bring better environmental performance and passenger
comfort to their respective markets.
The new commitment positions Ethiopian Airlines to further
strengthen and diversify its fleet, which currently includes more
than 80 Boeing jets. Ethiopian operates Africa's largest Dreamliner fleet with a mix
of 787-8s and 787-9s. The new 737 MAX order, which will grow the
airline's backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50, will be posted
on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website when finalized.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to
provide cabin modification services for the carrier's existing 787
Dreamliners. The comprehensive retrofits will enhance the passenger
experience with advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in
all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing
joint venture Adient Aerospace.
"Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of
Africa's preeminent airlines with
this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets,"
said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior
vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Ethiopian was
the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the
Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its
long-haul fleet. With their decades of experience operating our
single-aisle and widebody jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines'
confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship
after more than 75 years of collaboration."
The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical
miles), in addition to carrying substantial cargo. Since revenue
service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380
new nonstop routes around the world.
The 737-8 carries up to 210 passengers depending on
configuration and offers a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical
miles).
Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook forecast for Africa projects the continent will need 1,025
airplanes over the next two decades; more than 70% of commercial
deliveries are expected to be single-aisle jets. Africa's overall air-traffic growth is
forecast at 7.4% through 2042, third-highest among global regions
and above the global average growth rate of 6.1%.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing
airlines brand globally and the continent's largest airline brand.
In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the
fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent's leading
carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.
Ethiopian commands the lion's share of the African passenger and
cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more
than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo
destinations across five continents. Ethiopian's fleet category
consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such
as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash
8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In
fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these
aircraft.
As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the
champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax's 'Best
Airline in Africa Award' for six consecutive years among others.
The airline has been a Star Alliance
member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold
growth in the past 10 years. For more at:
https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a
culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and
integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at
boeing.com/careers.
Contact
Ethiopian Airlines Communications
(+251-11)517-8913/8165/8907
CorporateCommunications@ethiopianairlines.com
Nadine Fanous
+971-56-422-9051
nadine.fanous@boeing.com
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing