Ethiopian Airlines has placed a significant order with both Boeing & Airbus at the Dubai Air Show 2023. The airline has signed purchase agreements for 78 jets.
Ethiopian Airlines Boeing order
Ethiopian flag carrier has placed an order for 67 jets, which consists of some firm & some optional orders. The airline has went for :
- 20 Boeing 737 MAX with 20 options
- 11 Boeing 787 with 15 options
This purchase agreement signed between Boeing Airplanes & Ethiopian Airlines is the largest ever signed by an African airline. Ethiopian Airlines is already operating the Boeing 737 MAX as well as the Boeing 787. It operates a fleet of 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 & 29 Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Out of these 29, 19 are Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, rest are Boeing 787-9.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said, “We are happy to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets.” “With the help of this order, Ethiopian Airlines will be able to expand its fleet and modernize it in order to better support its growth strategy and Vision 2035. We have strengthened our excellent, multi-decade business relationship with Boeing with this agreement. Ethiopian Airlines’ ecologically conscious choices and dedication to providing passengers with the newest, most technologically sophisticated aircraft are exemplified by the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX.”
More efficiency
“With this historic commitment to grow their 787 and 737 MAX fleets, Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines,” stated Brad McMullen, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing.
“Ethiopian Airlines was the inaugural African airline to receive the 787, and the Dreamliner family remains a crucial component of its extended-haul fleet. We value Ethiopian Airlines’ faith in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of cooperation, given their decades of experience flying our single-aisle and widebody aircraft.”
Airbus order
Just after placing an order with Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines also placed an order for 11 Airbus A350-900. The airline is already operates a fleet of 20 Airbus A350XWBs. The latest order takes the total orderbook to 33, including 4 Airbus A350-1000s.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, stated, “We are thrilled to make this commitment for 11 Airbus A350-900s. Being a customer-focused airline, we are especially happy about this fleet since it provides passengers with additional comfort thanks to features like ambient lighting and the quietest cabin in its class. We are eager to increase the number of aircraft in our fleet and add the newest models to provide our valued customers with a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.”
“Ethiopian Airlines is a great example of how to leverage the exceptional values of the A350 for long-haul travel,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus, “utilising the benefits of Ethiopia’s unique geographical position that offers the fastest connections between China and Latin America. We are thrilled to expand Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet and uphold the wonderful rapport we have developed together in the process.”
Interested in Airbus A220
Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 31 De-Havilland Canada Dash-8. The airline wants to replace this with some new generation aircraft. It has considered Airbus A220 as an option but it will not go ahead until engine issues are not corrected. CEO of ET said that until the engines problems are not solved, we are not encouraged to place an order.
Source : PR Newswire, Airbus
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