Ethiopian Airlines on Tuesday November 14 placed a landmark order of upto 67 Boeing planes.
Boeing announced that the carrier had 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, represented 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,” stated Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO 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, ” he added.
Ethiopian is ordering the 787-9 variant, part of a Dreamliner family that reduces fuel use and emissions by 25 per cent compared to the airplanes it replaces.
The carrier is also adding the 737-8 model, which reduces fuel use and emissions by 20 per cent and creates a 50 per cent smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces.
The new planes will be modified match the latest aviation standards.
It’s launch will see Ethiopian Airlines rival Kenya Airways which has been grappling with losses.
The national carrier has in recent times depended on government bail out to remain afloat.
