Historical Affair: Ethiopian Airlines purchases the biggest Boeing aircraft in African history
Ethiopian Airlines has placed orders for 20 Boeing 737 MAX and 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The deal reached at the Dubai Airshow was the biggest acquisition of Boeing aircraft in African history, the airline said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ethiopian Airlines stated that the deal includes an option for fifteen more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and twenty-one 737 MAX aircraft. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said, “We are happy to announce Ethiopian Airlines’ deal with Boeing for 31 ultra-modern aeroplanes, with an option for 36 additional jets.”
The CEO continued, “This order solidifies our longstanding partnership with Boeing and supports our growth plan and Vision 2035 Strategy.”
The airline is buying the Dreamliner series’ 787-9 variant, which has a 25% fuel economy and lower emissions, according to a statement.
The addition of the 737-8 model enhances environmental efficiency and passenger comfort by reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 20%.
With approximately 80 Boeing aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet will be strengthened and diversified as a result of the pledge. Following finalization, the new 737 MAX order will be listed on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website, according to the announcement.
It also revealed that Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing would collaborate to offer current 787 Dreamliners’ cabin alteration services. By offering new seats in every cabin, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing’s joint venture Adient Aerospace, these services will enhance the in-flight entertainment system and enhance the overall traveller experience.
“With this historic commitment to grow their 787 and 737 MAX fleets, Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing at Boeing.