This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines.

On April 20, 2026, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines officially announced the carrier’s purchase of six additional 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. According to the joint press release, this transaction converts existing options into firm Orders, exercising commitments originally established during the airline’s historic 2023 purchasing agreement.

The acquisition is designed to bolster Ethiopian Airlines‘ intercontinental network out of its Addis Ababa hub. Company officials noted that the new widebody jets will also provide crucial cargo capacity to meet rising demand for long-haul travel and freight transport across Europe, Asia, and North America.

“Converting the options of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes into a firm order is truly a proud moment for us,” stated Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew in the press release.

Expanding the Dreamliner Fleet

The 2023 Landmark Order Context

The foundation for this latest acquisition was laid at the November 2023 Dubai Airshow. Industry research notes that Ethiopian Airlines signed an agreement for up to 67 Boeing jets at the event, marking the largest-ever Boeing purchase by an African carrier. The original deal included firm orders for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX airplanes, alongside options for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. This April 2026 announcement represents the formal exercising of six of those 15 Dreamliner options.

Ethiopian Airlines already operates the largest Boeing 787 fleet on the African continent. Prior to 2026 Deliveries, industry data showed the airline operating 30 Dreamliners, comprising 20 787-8s and 10 787-9s. Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, highlighted the ongoing Partnerships in the official release.

“We’re proud that Ethiopian Airlines continues to look to the 787 Dreamliner to serve as the backbone of their fleet as they grow and modernize their operations,” Yitbarek said.

Strategic Growth Under “Vision 2035”

Passenger and Cargo Synergies

The decision to firm up these options aligns directly with Ethiopian Airlines’ “Vision 2035” strategic roadmap. Having achieved its previous 15-year goals ahead of schedule, the carrier is now targeting aggressive expansion. According to industry background reports, the airline aims to nearly double its fleet to 271 aircraft and expand its network to over 200 international destinations by 2035. Financial and operational targets include carrying 65 million passengers annually, transporting 3 million tons of Cargo-Aircraft, and generating $25 billion in annual revenue.

The Boeing 787-9 is uniquely positioned to support these dual passenger and freight ambitions. The press release emphasizes the aircraft’s “belly cargo” capabilities for high-demand trade lanes. Research indicates a standard 787-9 can carry approximately 16,000 kilograms of cargo while accommodating up to 315 passengers in Ethiopian’s typical two-class configuration. Furthermore, the 787-9 reduces fuel use and emissions by 25 percent compared to older generation aircraft, supporting the airline’s sustainability metrics.

Navigating Industry Headwinds

AirPro News analysis

We view Ethiopian Airlines’ move to convert these options into firm orders as a highly strategic maneuver in the current aerospace climate. The global aviation industry is currently grappling with severe supply chain constraints, engine shortages, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) backlogs.

CEO Mesfin Tasew has previously acknowledged that the airline has faced operational turbulence, including grounded aircraft awaiting engines and extended turnaround times. By locking in firm orders now, Ethiopian Airlines is aggressively securing its production slots on Boeing’s assembly line. Amidst widespread delivery delays and certification holdups across the sector, firming up existing options is a vital defensive measure to ensure the carrier’s “Vision 2035” fleet expansion remains on track. Furthermore, with Boeing executive Anbessie Yitbarek having previously served as Ethiopian Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, the deep institutional ties between the two companies likely facilitate smoother procurement negotiations during these industry-wide bottlenecks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What did Ethiopian Airlines order? The airline finalized the purchase of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, converting options from a 2023 agreement into firm orders.
• Why is the airline expanding its fleet? The expansion is part of the “Vision 2035” roadmap, aiming to reach 271 aircraft, serve over 200 international destinations, and generate $25 billion in annual revenue.
• How does the 787-9 benefit the airline? It offers a 25 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions, alongside significant “belly cargo” capacity (approximately 16,000 kg) to support lucrative freight operations.

Sources: Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. This article synthesizes publicly available elements, industry data, and public remarks.

On April 16, 2026, Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet announced a significant finance lease agreement with China’s SPDB Financial Leasing for 10 COMAC narrow-body aircraft. According to reporting by Reuters, the deal was signed during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to China, highlighting deepening economic and aviation ties between the two nations.

While initial headlines and URL slugs suggested the aircraft involved were the larger C919, industry consensus and the body of the Reuters report clarify that the order is for the COMAC C909, the recently rebranded ARJ21 regional jet. This acquisition marks a crucial step in COMAC’s ongoing strategy to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia and challenge established Western manufacturers.

The exact financial terms of the lease remain undisclosed. However, the aircraft are slated for deployment primarily on routes connecting Vietnam and China, supporting Vietjet’s broader network expansion strategy in the region.

Strategic Timing and Route Expansion

The timing of the agreement carries notable diplomatic weight. The deal was finalized during President To Lam’s first overseas trip since taking office in April 2026. According to the synthesized research report, this serves as a gesture of strategic cooperation between Hanoi and Beijing.

“The deal… marks a significant milestone in Sino-Vietnamese aviation and economic ties,”

as noted in the provided research summary, underscoring the political significance of the transaction.

Vietnam officially approved the operation of the COMAC C909 in early 2025, following a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hanoi. This regulatory clearance paved the way for Chinese-manufactured aircraft to enter the fast-growing Vietnamese aviation market.

Expanding the Sino-Vietnamese Network

Concurrently with the aircraft lease announcement, Vietjet revealed plans to launch five new routes. According to the source material, these routes will connect Vietnam’s major hubs, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with several Chinese destinations, including Hangzhou, Enshi, Guilin, and Huangshan.

Vietjet’s Fleet Strategy and Prior COMAC Experience

Vietjet currently operates a fleet of 135 aircraft, which consists predominantly of Airbus A320 and A321 models. The airline also maintains a substantial backlog of nearly 600 aircraft on order from both Boeing and Airbus, encompassing a mix of narrow-body and wide-body planes, according to industry data.

Building on Initial Test Deployments

This new agreement with SPDB Financial Leasing is not Vietjet’s first encounter with the Chinese manufacturer. In April 2025, the airline initiated a six-month lease of two C909 aircraft from China’s Chengdu Airlines to service domestic routes, such as flights to the tourist destination of Con Dao.

Although operations were briefly paused in October 2025 due to high operational costs and regulatory friction, the airline subsequently resumed their use. The new 10-aircraft deal expands this initial test deployment into a more permanent fleet integration.

COMAC’s Southeast Asian Push

Shanghai-based COMAC is actively working to disrupt the global commercial aviation duopoly held by Airbus and Boeing. Lacking certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is expected to take several more years, COMAC has strategically targeted the domestic Chinese market and Southeast Asia for its initial international expansion.

The Role of State-Backed Leasing

The C909 has quietly emerged as COMAC’s primary export product. By early 2026, the aircraft was already in service with Indonesia’s TransNusa and Lao Airlines, and had received operational clearance in Brunei and Cambodia. The Vietjet deal solidifies COMAC’s presence in one of the region’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Chinese state-backed leasing companies, such as SPDB Financial Leasing, are playing a pivotal role in this expansion. By offering attractive financing terms to foreign carriers, these entities help mitigate the financial risks associated with adopting a new aircraft type.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the Vietjet-SPDB deal underscores a shifting dynamic in Southeast Asian aviation procurement. While Western manufacturers still dominate the region’s massive backlogs, COMAC is successfully leveraging state-backed financing and diplomatic channels to secure a foothold. The discrepancy in early reporting between the C919 and C909 highlights the ongoing confusion surrounding COMAC’s recent rebranding efforts, but the strategic intent remains clear: establishing the C909 as a viable regional jet alternative in emerging markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft did Vietjet lease from SPDB Financial Leasing?

Vietjet leased 10 COMAC C909 aircraft (formerly known as the ARJ21), despite some early reports citing the C919.

When was the deal announced?

The deal was announced on April 16, 2026, during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to China.

How many aircraft does Vietjet currently operate?

According to industry data, Vietjet currently operates a fleet of 135 aircraft, primarily Airbus A320 and A321 models, with a backlog of nearly 600 additional aircraft.

Sources

• Reuters

This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.

BOC Aviation Limited has announced its operational transactions for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026, reporting a robust start to the year characterized by perfect utilization rates and record liquidity levels. The global aircraft operating leasing company successfully navigated a volatile macroeconomic environment to secure significant new funding and execute dozens of transactions.

According to the company’s official press release, BOC Aviation raised US$2.5 billion in the funding markets during the first three months of 2026. This capital injection has elevated the lessor’s liquidity to unprecedented levels, positioning the firm to sustain long-term growth amidst ongoing industry supply chain constraints and fluctuating global markets.

We note that the lessor’s ability to maintain a 100 percent collection rate and a 100 percent utilization rate for its owned aircraft underscores the persistent, high demand for Commercial-Aircraft assets globally.

Q1 2026 Operational Highlights

Fleet and Delivery Metrics

During the first quarter of 2026, BOC Aviation executed a total of 36 transactions. As detailed in the company’s press release, these transactions included the Delivery of ten aircraft and the sale of three managed aircraft. Furthermore, the lessor secured 20 lease commitments and made a commitment to purchase one engine.

The composition of the new lease commitments highlights the intense demand for next-generation airframes. Of the 20 lease commitments signed between January and March, 19 were placements of new aircraft directly from BOC Aviation’s existing order book.

As of March 31, 2026, the company’s total portfolio encompasses 813 aircraft and engines, which includes assets that are owned, managed, and on order. The owned fleet consists of 461 aircraft, boasting an average age of 5.1 years and an average remaining lease term of 7.7 years. Additionally, the lessor maintains a substantial Orders book of 327 aircraft and one engine, alongside a managed fleet of 13 aircraft. This combined portfolio serves a diverse customer base of 88 Airlines spread across 46 countries and regions.

Financial and Strategic Positioning

Record Liquidity and Funding

A cornerstone of BOC Aviation’s first-quarter performance was its aggressive and successful capital-raising strategy. The company reported raising US$2.5 billion in debt financing. This total comprises US$500 million in seven-year bonds, issued at a coupon rate of 4.375 percent per annum, and US$2 billion in loan facilities secured through a syndicate of 19 global banks.

In a company press release, BOC Aviation Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Steven Townend emphasized the strategic importance of this financial maneuvering.

“Our utilisation rate and our collection rate remained at 100% and we raised US$2.5 billion in funding markets…”

Townend further noted in the release that in a volatile environment, this enhanced liquidity enables the company to maintain its focus on long-term sustainable growth.

AirPro News analysis

The operational statistics released by BOC Aviation reflect broader trends within the commercial aviation sector in early 2026. The placement of 19 new aircraft from the order book indicates that airlines remain eager to secure future capacity, likely driven by ongoing OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) delivery delays and the imperative to modernize fleets with fuel-efficient technology.

Furthermore, the ability to secure US$2 billion in loan facilities from 19 different banks demonstrates strong institutional confidence in the aircraft leasing model, even as interest rates and global economic conditions remain complex. A 100 percent collection rate is particularly notable, suggesting that airline balance sheets have largely stabilized, allowing them to meet their lease obligations without default or deferral. We view BOC Aviation’s young fleet age of 5.1 years as a critical competitive advantage, as younger aircraft typically command higher lease rates and incur lower maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were BOC Aviation’s total deliveries in Q1 2026?

According to the company’s press release, BOC Aviation delivered ten aircraft during the first quarter of 2026.

How much funding did BOC Aviation raise in the first quarter?

The lessor raised US$2.5 billion in debt financing, which included US$500 million in seven-year bonds and US$2 billion in loan facilities.

What is the current size of BOC Aviation’s portfolio?

As of March 31, 2026, the company’s total portfolio includes 813 aircraft and engines (owned, managed, and on order), serving 88 airlines in 46 countries and regions.

Sources

• BOC Aviation