Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft with an option to purchase an additional twelve. The airline’s choice of the 777X consolidates it as the first 777x customer in Africa and builds on its 2023 order for 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 Boeing 737 MAXs to expand its fleet.

«We are pleased to continue to set the trend in African aviation in adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. By improving our operational performance and our commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility and reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we look forward to flying the 777-9 in African skies and beyond,» said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group.

Based on the 777 and featuring advanced technologies from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 offers new carbon fiber composite wings and engines that enable the aircraft to achieve improved fuel efficiency and operating costs 10% of other aircraft families in the fleet.

The Boeing 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to expand and modernize its fleet in size, range, passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Asia, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. As part of its Vision 2035, the company plans to reach a network of 209 international destinations with more than 271 aircraft.

«Ethiopian Airlines marks another first in our long-standing partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet. Building on a relationship that dates back 75 years, we value the unwavering confidence Ethiopian Airlines places in our airplanes,» said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing.

Boeing aircraft make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, 27 Next Generation 737s, 737 MAx and 3 767s. Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing continue to develop aerospace industry, capabilities at the Ethiopian Aviation University and STEM education.

See also: Ethiopian Airlines’ Ambitious Expansion: New European and Global Destinations Announced