Ethiopian Airlines has become the first carrier on the African continent to place an order for the Boeing 777X widebody.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines both announced on March 5, 2024, that the East African carrier had purchased eight 777-9 jets, with the option for 12 more in the future.
Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of the 777X positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX jets.
“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said.
The CEO added: “We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
Boeing planes make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s and 15 737 MAX jets.
