Ethiopian Airlines has announced its purchase of eight Boeing 777-9 jets, marking the first African carrier to invest in the advanced 777X widebody aircraft. The airline has also secured options for an additional 12 jets in the future. This acquisition builds upon its impressive 2023 order of 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX jets, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly airplanes.
Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, expressed enthusiasm for the technological advancements and customer benefits the 777-9 offers, including greater flexibility, reduced fuel consumption, and lower carbon emissions. Tasew’s remarks highlight the airline’s dedication to enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction while advancing its environmental sustainability goals.
A Partnership Strengthened by Innovation
Ethiopian Airlines’ choice of the Boeing 777-9 as its flagship model is a testament to its longstanding partnership with Boeing, which spans over 75 years. The airline’s fleet, over half of which comprises Boeing aircraft, is set to achieve new heights with the addition of the 777-9, known for its blend of 777 and 787 Dreamliner family technologies. Despite the 777-9’s pending certification, Ethiopian Airlines looks forward to integrating this cutting-edge aircraft into its fleet, confident in the mutual trust and support shared with Boeing.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, celebrated Ethiopian Airlines’ decision, emphasizing the carrier’s role as a trailblazer in the airline’s history. The 777-9 is poised to elevate Ethiopian Airlines’ service capabilities, enabling the carrier to expand its reach to high-demand markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Ethiopian Airlines has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to serve over 209 international destinations with a modern, eco-friendly fleet of more than 271 aircraft by 2035. This strategic vision aligns with Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook, which predicts Africa’s air traffic to grow annually by over 7% through 2042, outpacing the global average. Ethiopian Airlines’ latest fleet expansion is a strategic step towards realizing this vision, positioning it as a key player in connecting Africa with the rest of the world.
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