Ethiopian Arilines Orders Nine 787 and Eleven 737 Jets from Boeing in View of New Airport
On 20 January 2026, Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing jointly announced a new firm order of nine Boeing 787 and the completion of the order for eleven Boeing 737. The new planes will contribute to expanding the route network of Ethiopian Airlines, which currently serves 145 international destinations.
At the Dubai Air Show in December 2025, Ethiopian Airlines already announced the order of eleven Boeing 737 MAX. Equipped with the latest GE jet engines, the new planes need less fuel and emit less greenhouse gases (#GHG).
“We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service. We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesinf Tasew
“The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and we are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in their mission to connect Africa with the global community. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air travel with advanced, efficient and comfortable airplanes to serve their passengers.”
Boeing VP for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek
Based on the specifications of the 787 Dreamliner, it consumes up to 25% less fuel than the older planes and its emissions is reduced proportionally. For that reason, Ethiopian Airlines has chosen Boeing planes as the backbone of its fleet, with fifty 737, thirty 787, and twenty 777.
As the national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines is doing its part to realize the government’s #Vision2030ET. As part of the National Development Plan (NDP), Ethiopia is building a mega airport at Bishoftu, with a capacity four times of the current one. As both planes and airports take several years to complete, Ethiopia has to synchronize both purchase and construction to be ready when the airport becomes operational.