Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its position as Africa’s leading long-haul carrier with a fresh order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, marking another significant investment in fuel-efficient widebody jets as global demand for international travel continues to rise.
Announced in Addis Ababa on 20 January 2026, the deal reinforces the long-standing partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines and further expands the airline’s already substantial Dreamliner fleet.
The new order focuses on the 787‑9 variant, a stretched and more capable version of Boeing’s flagship twin-aisle jet.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to deploy the aircraft across its expanding intercontinental network, which currently spans 145 international destinations.
The additional capacity will support the airline’s strategy to grow frequencies, open new routes, and enhance connectivity between Africa and major global markets.
The purchase comes on the heels of Ethiopian’s commitment for 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, announced at the Dubai Airshow and finalized in December 2025.
Together, the two orders add 20 new Boeing jets to the airline’s backlog, underscoring its confidence in the U.S. manufacturer’s product line and its own long-term growth trajectory.
Ethiopian Airlines & Boeing Delighted with 787 & 737 MAX Order…
Confirming the order, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized the strategic importance of the Dreamliner to the carrier’s future.
“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,” he said.
Tasew added that the airline “will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”
Boeing executives welcomed the renewed vote of confidence from one of their most important African customers.
“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,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa.
“Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air travel with advanced, efficient and comfortable airplanes to serve their passengers.”
The Airline’s Relationship with The Planemaker…
Ethiopian Airlines already operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, comprising both the 787‑8 and 787‑9 models.
These aircraft form the backbone of its long-haul operations, connecting Addis Ababa to high-demand destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America.
The airline also uses the type on key intra-African routes, leveraging the aircraft’s efficiency to serve markets across the continent.
The 787 Dreamliner is widely regarded as one of the most efficient widebody aircraft in service today.
Built with a composite fuselage and advanced aerodynamics, the jet reduces fuel burn and emissions by 25% compared to the older aircraft it typically replaces.
For Ethiopian Airlines, this efficiency translates into lower operating costs, greater route flexibility, and improved environmental performance — all critical factors as the airline pursues sustainable growth.
Beyond passenger service, the Dreamliner’s belly cargo capacity also supports Ethiopian’s thriving freight operations.
The airline is a major player in Africa’s air cargo market, and the additional 787‑9s will help meet demand on high-volume trade lanes linking Africa with Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Boeing 787 Program…
Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled airlines worldwide to open more than 520 new nonstop routes between city pairs previously unserved.
The type has carried more than one billion passengers, cementing its role as a transformative aircraft for long-haul travel.
Ethiopian Airlines has been one of the model’s most prominent operators, using it to expand Addis Ababa’s role as a major African hub.
The airline also maintains the largest Boeing fleet on the continent, spanning the 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner families.
Its backlog of Boeing aircraft is the largest in Africa, reflecting a long-term strategy built around modern, fuel-efficient jets.
Overall…
For Boeing, the order reinforces its strong commercial presence in Africa and highlights the continued relevance of the Dreamliner program.
The company, a leading global aerospace manufacturer and major U.S. exporter, supplies commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technologies to customers in more than 150 countries.
Boeing emphasizes that its global workforce and supplier network are committed to innovation, sustainability, and community impact, underpinned by core values of safety, quality, and integrity.
As Ethiopian Airlines continues its ambitious expansion, the additional Dreamliners will play a central role in shaping the carrier’s next decade of growth.
With long-haul travel rebounding and Africa’s aviation market poised for further development, the partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines remains a cornerstone of the continent’s global connectivity.
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