Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and leading airline group in Africa, and its long-time partner Boeing [NYSE:BA] announced that the airline has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX aircraft with options for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national airline at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing aircraft in African history.
”We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached an agreement with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern aircraft, with an option for 36 additional jets.””", says Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew. "””This order will enable us to modernize and expand 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 serving passengers with the latest technologically advanced aircraft.”
Ethiopian is ordering the 787-9 variant, part of the Dreamliner family that reduces fuel burn and emissions by 25 % compared to the aircraft it replaces. The airline is also adding the 737-8 model, which reduces fuel burn and emissions by 20 % and creates a 50 % smaller noise footprint compared to the aircraft it replaces. Both families bring improved 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 increase the airline’s order book for the fuel-efficient jet to 50, will be posted on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website when completed.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to provide cabin modification services for the airline’s existing 787 Dreamliners. The extensive 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 leading airlines with this landmark commitment to expand its 787 and 737 MAX fleets”, said Brad McMullen, Boeing's 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 decades of experience operating our single-aisle and wide-body jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines” confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of collaboration.”
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa estimates that the continent will need 1,025 aircraft over the next two decades; more than 70 % of commercial deliveries are expected to be jets at any one time. Africa’s total air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4 % through 2042, the third highest among global regions and above the global average growth rate of 6.1 %.
Source: According to Press Release.
