Ethiopian Airlines Buys Eleven Boeing 737 and Six Airbus 350 During Dubai Airshow 2025

On 17 November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Ethiopian Airlines announced the procurement for eleven Boeing 737-8 MAX, by converting previously signed purchase options. The order is estimated at around USD 1.5 billion based on list prices.

The 737-8 MAX boasts a 20% in carbon emissions compared to its older version, thanks to greater fuel efficiency. The full delivery will be completed by 2030.

On 18 November 2025, Ethiopian Airlines then announced the procurement of six Airbus 350-900. Again, the A350-900 offers a 25% reduction in green house gases (#GHG) compared to its previous generation.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Ethiopian Airlines also signed an agreement with Collins Aerospace to install premium lie-flat business class seats on eleven of its Airbus A350 jets.

The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body aircraft with a single aisle, while the Airbus 350 is a wide-body aircraft with twin aisles. Based on cabin configuration, the passenger capacity of the Boeing 737 is about 200, while the Airbus A350 can accommodate over 300. The 737 is a mid-haul jet with a range of about 6,500 kilometers, while A350 is a long-haul jet that can travel 15,000 kilometers.

Thus, Ethiopian Airlines plans to deploy the 737 on regional and intra-African routes, while the A350 will serve intercontinental and long-haul ones. To enhance comfort and reduce jet lag, the A350 has lower noise levels, larger windows and higher humidity. These aircrafts can run on a mix with up to 50% of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The acquisition of these aircrafts is in line with Ethiopian Airlines strategy encapsulated in its #Vision2035. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the destination route network while mitigating its carbon footprint. In line with this ambition, Ethiopia is planning to build the largest airport in Africa at Bishoftu.