Summary
- Ethiopian Airlines signs a deal for as much as 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, becoming the primary 777X customer in Africa.
- The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet growth and network expansion plans.
- The airline is Boeing’s biggest African customer, and it expects to double its fleet by 2035.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has signed a historical take care of Boeing for as much as 20 777-9 aircraft. With this agreement, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the primary 777X customer in Africa.
Expanding its fleet with Boeing’s latest widebody
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have a long-standing relationship dating back several a long time. Strengthening its position because the manufacturer’s biggest African customer, the East African carrier has announced its intention to buy eight 777-9 jets with options of as much as 12 more.
Photo: Boeing
This follows the airline’s landmark deal last 12 months for as much as 31 recent Boeing aircraft, including 20 737 MAXs and 11 787 Dreamliners. With a long-term growth strategy in place, the carrier goals to almost double its fleet by 2035. Speaking in regards to the monumental 777X order, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew said,
“We’re pleased to proceed setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to boost 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.”
“We’re grateful to Boeing for his or her long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
Boeing believes its recent widebody jet is well suited to support the East African carrier’s fleet renewal and growth plans. Based on the 777 and featuring technology from the 787, that are each operated by Ethiopian Airlines, the 777-9 has recent carbon fiber composite wings and engines that promise 10% higher fuel efficiency and operating costs than its competition in the identical category. Boeing Senior Vice President of Business Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen said,
“Ethiopian Airlines marks one more first in our longstanding partnership by choosing the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet. Constructing on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
![A Boeing 777X flying in the sky.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shutterstock_1848302923.jpg)
Which Airlines Have Ordered The Boeing 777X?
To this point, a complete of 11 carriers have ordered Boeing’s latest widebody airliner.
Investing in recent technology
With significant expansion anticipated in Africa’s air transport sector over the subsequent 20 years, Boeing expects African carriers to receive over 1,000 recent aircraft to support their growth. This includes greater than 700 recent single-aisle aircraft and nearly 300 recent widebodies. Roughly 90% of all deliveries will comprise the more modern and efficient 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X families.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines continues to take a position in recent technology to supply its passengers an enhanced flying experience while reducing its carbon footprint. Aside from providing aircraft, Boeing and Ethiopian have partnered on many fronts, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), industrial development, in addition to education and training on the Ethiopian Airlines University (EAU).
Photo: Suparat Chairatprasert | Shutterstock
Ethiopian Airlines currently has the most important fleet amongst all African carriers. It has remained a pioneer in operating ultra-modern single aisle and widebody jets. Based on ch-aviation, the carrier operates a fleet of 137 passenger and cargo aircraft comprising the next models:
Passenger
- DHC-8-Q400: 30
- B787: 29
- B777: 10
- B767: 1
- B737NG: 15
- B737 MAX: 16
- Airbus A350: 20
Cargo
- Boeing 737: 4
- B767: 2
- B777: 10
Along with the brand new 777X deal, the carrier has an extra 65 aircraft on order, including the A350-1000 and B777-200F. The 777X can be the flagship of Ethiopian’s ever-growing fleet. Nevertheless, the brand new widebody is anticipated to enter service in 2025, with Emirates’ CEO warning of one other potential delay. The aircraft was initially expected to enter service in 2020.
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