Ethiopian Airlines to Purchase Up to 20 Boeing 777X Jets

DALLAS — Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) have announced an agreement for the airline to purchase eight 777-9 passenger airplanes, with the potential for up to 12 additional jets. This Boeing 777-9 jet selection positions ET as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its previous order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes in 2023.

The 777-9, which we saw for the second time at DAS2023, incorporates advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family. It features new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines that provide 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than its competitors. The 777-9 will support ET’s plans to grow and renew its fleet, allowing it to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Ethiopian’s Fleet

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a significant number of Boeing airplanes, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s, and 15 737 MAX jets Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines are also collaborating on various initiatives to support the country’s aerospace industry, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, industrial development, training capabilities at the Ethiopian Aviation University, STEM education, and equipping the Ethiopian Museum of Science with aerospace exhibits.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that Africa’s annual air traffic growth will exceed 7% through 2042, making it the third-highest growth rate among global regions The 777-9, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), will enable Ethiopian Airlines to operate flights from Addis Ababa to destinations as far as Seattle in the United States.

Featured image: Boeing

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