Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines Confirm Order for Nine 787 Dreamliners

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines Confirm Order for Nine 787-9 Dreamliners

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for 9 787 Dreamliners, as the airline plans to expand its long-haul capacity and support network growth. Ethiopian Airlines will add the 787-9 jets to help strengthen its route network, which currently serves 145 international destinations.

The latest widebody order follows Ethiopian Airlines’ earlier commitment for 11 737 MAX aircraft, announced at the Dubai Airshow. Both orders were finalised in December 2025, taking the airline’s total confirmed aircraft order book with Boeing to 20 aircraft across the two programmes.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the new order will support the airline’s plans to expand its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft and strengthen customer service. He added that the airline will continue to adopt new technologies as part of its long-term vision to support sustainable aviation.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft on intercontinental services from Addis Ababa to destinations across Europe, Asia and North America, as well as on key intra-African routes.

Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, said Boeing will continue to support Ethiopian Airlines as it develops its network and connects Africa with international markets.

Boeing noted that the 787 Dreamliner is designed to reduce fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aircraft it replaces, while also supporting passenger and cargo operations. The manufacturer also stated that since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 520 new nonstop routes and has carried over 1 billion passengers globally.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa and has additional aircraft on order, including the 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner.