[Civil Aviation Affairs] March 5,Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced today an agreement for the East African airline to purchase eight 777-9 aircraft, with the possibility of another batch of up to 12 aircraft.
Ethiopian selected the 777-9 aircraft, marking the company's first 777x customer in Africa. The company previously announced a historic order in 2023 to renew and expand its fleet, including 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 Max.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: "We are pleased to continue to lead the development of the aviation industry in Africa by adopting advanced technologies to improve our service and customer satisfaction. "The 777-9 provides greater flexibility, reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions, improves our operational performance, and helps us deliver on our commitment to environmental sustainability." We thank Boeing for its long-standing partnership and support and look forward to the 777-9 flying over Africa and around the world." ”
The 777-9 combines the heritage of the 777 with advanced technology from the 787 Dreamliner family, with a new carbon fiber composite wing and high-efficiency engines that reduce fuel consumption and operating costs by up to 10% compared to the competition. The aircraft will support Ethiopian's growth plan and equip its fleet with enhanced passenger capacity, range and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice president of sales for civil aviation, said, "Ethiopian Airlines' selection of the 777-9 as the flagship aircraft of its growing fleet marks another major milestone in our long-standing partnership. Building on a 75-year partnership, we value Ethiopian's unwavering trust and confidence in our aircraft. ”
Boeing aircraft make up more than half of Ethiopian's current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 Next Generation 737s and 15 737 MAX aircraft. Ethiopian and Boeing continue to work together to explore opportunities to further develop the country's aviation industry, including support for Ethiopian's comprehensive maintenance capabilities, industry development, Ethiopian Aviation University's training capabilities and popular science education, as well as aerospace exhibits for the Ethiopian Science Museum.
Boeing's Civil Aviation Market Outlook** Africa's air passenger traffic will grow at an average annual rate of more than 7% until 2042, the third highest growth rate among the world's regional markets and higher than the global average of 6%. The 777-9 can provide airlines with growth opportunities and a better flight experience for passengers, and its 13,510 km (7,295 nautical mile) range capability will enable routes from Addis Ababa to Seattle.