Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing today announced that they have reached an agreement for the East African Airline to buy eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, with the possibility of purchasing up to 12 more.

In addition to building on its historic 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX aircraft to modernise and expand its fleet, ethiopian airlines has chosen to acquire 777-9 aircraft, making it the first 777X customer in Africa.

The 777-9, which is based on the 777 and incorporates cutting-edge technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, has new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines, allowing it to outperform rival aircraft by 10% in terms of operational costs and fuel economy. In order to access high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, Ethiopian Airlines wants to expand and refresh its fleet in terms of size, range, and passenger and cargo capacity. The 777-9 will help these efforts.

More than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet consists of boeing airplanes, which includes 15 737 MAX jets, 20 777s, three 767s, 29 787 Dreamliners, and 27 Next-Generation 737s. Ethiopian Airlines and boeing are still looking for ways to grow the nation’s aerospace industry.

Some of these include providing support for MRO capabilities, industrial development, STEM education, training at the Ethiopian Aviation University, and supplying aerospace exhibits for the Ethiopian Museum of Science.

According to boeing planes Commercial Market Outlook, air traffic in Africa is expected to expand at an annual pace of more than 7% through 2042, making it the third-highest growing area globally and above the global average of about 6%. With a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), the 777-9 allows flights from Addis Ababa to as far as Seattle in the United States, giving expanded features for passengers and expansion potential for airlines.

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