Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, has ordered nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand its route network and grow its long-haul travel capabilities. The order follows the airline's commitment to acquire 11 737 MAX jets announced at the Dubai Airshow in December 2025. With this latest purchase, Ethiopian Airlines will boost its order book by a total of 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes, solidifying its position as a major player in the African aviation market.
The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and Ethiopian Airlines is proud to support Boeing in its mission to connect Africa with the global community. By leveraging the 787-9 jets, Ethiopian Airlines will be able to transport passengers point-to-point across Africa while accommodating cargo in the belly of the airplane for high-demand trade lanes. The capacity and efficiency of the 787 Dreamliner enable airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, making it an attractive option for carriers looking to expand their route networks and improve their sustainability.
Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa's largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, flying its 787-8 and 787-9 jets on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to high-demand destinations across Europe, Asia and North America as well as key intra-African routes spanning the world's second-largest continent. The airline's commitment to acquiring modern, fuel-efficient aircraft is part of its strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation. With this latest order, Ethiopian Airlines will continue to grow its fleet and adopt the latest technologies to enhance its customer service.
The 787 Dreamliner family has helped airlines open more than 520 new nonstop routes between city pairs that were never previously served and carried over 1 billion passengers since 2011. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The airline's order book now boasts a total of 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes, solidifying its position as a major player in the African aviation market.
With this latest purchase, Ethiopian Airlines will be able to further expand its route network and improve its sustainability, making it an attractive option for passengers and cargo carriers alike.