Leading African carrier Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed that it has ordered nine more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebody airliners. These aircraft will be delivered between 2031 and 2033. Ethiopian already has the largest Dreamliner fleet in Africa, and operates both the 787-8 and 787-9 models.

“We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet,” affirmed Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service. We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”

This 787-9 order follows on from an order for 11 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle airliners, announced at last year’s Dubai Air Show. Both these orders were finalised in December.

“The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and we are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in their mission to connect Africa with the global community,” highlighted Boeing VP for commercial sales and marketing for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek. “Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air travel with advanced, efficient and comfortable airplanes to serve their passengers.”

This latest deal takes the total number of 787-9s on order by Ethiopian to 20. The airline also has a “significant” number of orders, options and purchase rights for 737 MAX and Boeing’s latest type, the 777X.

In addition to its fleet of Boeing 737s, 777s and 787s, the airline also operates Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 widebody airliners and De Havilland Canada Q400 turboprop regional airliners. It serves more than 160 destinations at home and abroad, spanning five continents.  

The Ethiopian Airlines Group is also undertaking wider, ground-based, modernisation and expansion programmes. The flagship for these initiatives is the Bishoftu International Mega Airport City project, the groundbreaking for which took place earlier this month.