Ethiopian Airlines Gears Up for Growth with 11 New Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most internationally connected carrier in Africa, has reinforced its enduring partnership with Boeing by agreeing to acquire 11 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This deal, finalised at the Dubai Airshow, includes 11 737-8 jets and represents a crucial advancement in the airline's ambitious expansion plan.

The agreement strengthens Ethiopian Airlines' status as the African airline with the most Boeing aircraft on order, featuring the 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner series. As the airline expands its global presence, these new planes will be vital in increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency.

Announcing the acquisition at the Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasised the importance of the new order in meeting the airline’s long-term strategic goals. “We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for these additional 11 737-8 aeroplanes,” he said. “The order will support the growth plans we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow, and we look forward to flying Boeing aeroplanes for years to come. This enables us to continue serving our customers with high-performance aircraft that offer exceptional passenger comfort.”

Ethiopian Airlines has become a leading operator of the 737 MAX family in Africa, capitalising on the aircraft's efficiency, reliability, and versatility to enhance its expanding network both across the continent and globally. The 737-8 offers significant benefits in fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs, making it particularly beneficial for regional and medium-haul routes where quick turnarounds and frequent flights are essential. This aircraft is already in use on key routes to the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, supporting Ethiopian's objective of increasing connectivity via its Addis Ababa hub.

Boeing leaders hailed the strengthened partnership, highlighting the airline’s influential role in shaping Africa’s aviation landscape. Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the new agreement reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to modern, sustainable fleet development. “Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa,” he noted. “Our nearly 80-year partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and the region is something we deeply value. We are proud that our efficient and versatile aeroplanes will continue to support their growth as they enhance connectivity across Africa and to the world.”

The 737-8, the most favoured model of the 737 MAX series, achieves up to a 20% decrease in fuel use and emissions compared to the aircraft it succeeds. It also delivers better environmental performance and increased passenger comfort, aligning well with Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious fleet modernisation goals. Ethiopian Airlines is strengthening its status as a dominant player in global aviation by growing its fleet and investing in infrastructure, including ongoing improvements to its Addis Ababa hub. This recent effort highlights the airline's dedication to leading African air travel, serving a rising number of passengers with modern, efficient, and comfortable aircraft.

This order strengthens Boeing's 737 MAX program and reinforces its standing in one of the world's fastest-expanding aviation markets. As a leading U.S. exporter and a key figure in the aerospace sector, Boeing remains committed to supporting airlines across more than 150 countries with its state-of-the-art commercial aircraft, defence products, and space systems. As Ethiopian Airlines looks forward to receiving its new aircraft, it remains dedicated to offering safe, reliable, and high-quality air travel, backed by a fleet that represents the future of aviation in Africa.