Ethiopian Airlines Joins with GE Aerospace to Power New Widebody Aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines Group and GE Aerospace have formalised an agreement selecting the GEnx Engine to power 11 new Boeing 787 aircraft. This arrangement expands Ethiopian Airlines' fleet of GEnx-powered aircraft from 19 to 30, thereby reinforcing the airline's status as a leader in modern aviation technology. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines has reaffirmed its previous order with GE Aerospace for GE9X engines, which will power eight 777-9 aircraft. The agreement also includes options for six additional aircraft equipped with GE9X engines.

The agreements also include a service contract for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines, underscoring Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to operational excellence and GE Aerospace's dedication to supporting the airline's growth and success.

“Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.”

GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes said: “We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, a valued partner for many years and proud to support their mission to connect the world while advancing the future of sustainable aviation."

These agreements represent a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and GE Aerospace, which commenced in 2003. Ethiopian Airlines' investment in GE Aerospace's advanced engine technology underscores its dedication to providing world-class service to passengers while prioritising sustainability and operational efficiency.

The GE9X engine is the world's most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. Available only on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8 aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, with emissions that are a generation ahead in technology.

Since its debut in 2011, the GEnx engine family has amassed over 62 million flight hours. It is GE Aerospace’s most rapidly selling high-thrust engine to date, with over 3,600 engines, including spare units, currently in service and on order. Presently, the GEnx engine powers two-thirds of all operational 787 aircraft. As with all GE Aerospace commercial engines, both the GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends.