Commercial Aviation
Ethiopian Airlines Enhances Fleet with Collins Aerospace Premium Seats
Ethiopian Airlines partners with Collins Aerospace to upgrade business class seating on A350 and 737 MAX fleets, boosting luxury and consistency.
Ethiopian Airlines Elevates Fleet with Collins Aerospace Premium Seating
In a significant move to solidify its status as Africa’s leading aviation group, Ethiopian Airlines has announced a major partnership with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. Announced on November 18, 2025, at the Dubai Air Show, this collaboration focuses on upgrading the carrier’s business class offerings across two distinct fleet types. We view this development as a pivotal step in the airline’s “Vision 2035” strategy, which aims to standardize a high-end passenger experience for global travelers.
The agreement entails the installation of advanced seating solutions on both wide-body and narrow-body Commercial-Aircraft. Specifically, Ethiopian Airlines has selected the Elevation™ suites for its Airbus A350-900 fleet and the Parallel Diamond™ seats for its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This selection highlights a commitment to maintaining consistency in luxury, regardless of whether a passenger is flying on a long-haul intercontinental route or a regional connection.
By integrating these premium products, the airline is addressing a common industry challenge: the disparity in comfort between different aircraft types. We see this as a strategic maneuver to compete directly with major Gulf carriers and European Airlines, ensuring that Ethiopian Airlines remains the preferred choice for premium travel into and out of the African continent.
Transforming the Wide-Body Experience: The Elevation™ Suite
For the airline’s flagship long-haul operations, the focus is on the Airbus A350-900. Under the new deal, 11 new A350 aircraft will be fitted with the Collins Aerospace Elevation™ Global business class suite. This product is designed to replace traditional open-cabin layouts with a more secluded and private environment, a standard that has become increasingly essential for top-tier international business travelers.
The Elevation™ suite features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. This layout is critical as it guarantees direct aisle access for every passenger, eliminating the inconvenience of stepping over a neighbor. Furthermore, the inclusion of a full privacy door transforms the seat into an enclosed personal suite. We note that this level of privacy aligns Ethiopian Airlines with other top-rated global carriers that have adopted similar “suite” concepts for their business class cabins.
Beyond privacy, the engineering of the suite focuses on maximizing usable living space. The design incorporates a “suspended” table and console, which creates ample room for passengers’ knees and hips without reducing the overall seat count in the cabin. Integrated stowage compartments for laptops and amenity kits ensure that personal items are easily accessible yet securely stored, enhancing the overall ergonomics of the flight experience.
“The suites were distinctly tailored to amplify Ethiopian’s brand, focusing on a consistent and seamless passenger experience.” — Cynthia Muklevicz, VP at Collins Aerospace.
Revolutionizing Regional Travel: The Parallel Diamond™ Seat
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of this announcement is the upgrade scheduled for the Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Ethiopian Airlines plans to outfit 56 of these narrow-body aircraft with the Parallel Diamond™ business class seat. Historically, single-aisle aircraft on regional routes have been equipped with standard recliner seats. This upgrade marks a departure from that norm, introducing true long-haul comfort to the narrow-body segment.
The Parallel Diamond™ seat is designed to maximize space efficiency on single-aisle planes while offering a lie-flat capability. According to the specifications released, the seat converts into a fully flat 78-inch bed. This is a rare luxury for narrow-body aircraft operating within Africa and allows the airline to deploy these planes on longer routes, such as those connecting Addis Ababa to Europe or the Middle East, without compromising passenger sleep quality.
The configuration for these seats will be a 2-2 layout. While this does not offer direct aisle access for window passengers, the design utilizes a “kinematic” feature where seats are angled slightly toward the windows. This orientation maximizes shoulder width and enhances privacy, creating a sense of personal space often lacking in traditional narrow-body business class cabins.
Strategic Implications of “Vision 2035”
This procurement is not merely a product refresh; it is a calculated component of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader growth trajectory. The “Vision 2035” roadmap outlines the airline’s ambition to double its fleet to over 270 aircraft and increase its annual passenger capacity to 65 million. By investing in premium hardware, the carrier is positioning itself to capture high-yield business traffic that might otherwise gravitate toward competitors.
The scale of the project is notable, particularly regarding the Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The announcement specifies outfitting 56 aircraft. Given that the airline operates a mix of active 737 MAX 8s and has a significant backlog of Orders, this figure suggests a comprehensive program that likely includes both new deliveries and a retrofit of the existing active fleet. This approach ensures product consistency, mitigating the “equipment swap” disappointment often faced by frequent flyers.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, has emphasized that this order supports the airline’s commitment to passenger comfort. By standardizing the experience with lie-flat seats across both fleet types, the airline effectively blocks regional competition and strengthens its value proposition against global giants connecting via hubs like Dubai or Doha.
Concluding Perspectives
The selection of Collins Aerospace by Ethiopian Airlines represents a significant leap forward for African aviation. By introducing suite-style seating on wide-bodies and lie-flat beds on narrow-bodies, the carrier is setting a new benchmark for the region. We believe this move will force regional competitors to re-evaluate their own premium offerings to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market.
As the airline continues to expand its network under “Vision 2035,” the consistency of the hard product will likely play a crucial role in retaining customer loyalty. The ability to offer a seamless luxury experience, whether on a six-hour regional flight or a twelve-hour intercontinental journey, positions Ethiopian Airlines as a formidable global player in the years to come.
FAQ
Question: What new seats is Ethiopian Airlines installing?
Answer: The airline is installing Collins Aerospace Elevation™ suites on its Airbus A350-900s and Parallel Diamond™ lie-flat seats on its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Question: Will the new Boeing 737 MAX seats lie flat?
Answer: Yes, the Parallel Diamond™ seats on the 737 MAX will convert into a fully flat 78-inch bed, a significant upgrade from the previous recliner seats.
Question: How many aircraft are being upgraded?
Answer: The announcement covers 11 new Airbus A350-900 aircraft and 56 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG and WestJet Finalize 13 Boeing 737-10 Lease Agreements
ACG and WestJet signed long-term leases for 13 Boeing 737-10 jets, pending FAA and Transport Canada certification.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and WestJet finalized long-term lease agreements on July 14, 2026, for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, positioning the Canadian carrier to potentially receive the first delivery of the variant from the lessor’s orderbook.
The transaction, announced in a press release by ACG, expands an existing relationship between the two companies following the delivery of two Boeing 737-8 aircraft in February 2026. The agreement supports WestJet’s fleet renewal strategy while highlighting ACG’s growing backlog of Boeing’s largest narrowbody variant.
Fleet expansion and the Boeing 737-10
The Boeing 737-10 represents 30 percent of the total 737 MAX order backlog, with more than 1,400 orders globally. According to ACG, the aircraft offers a 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat and a 20 percent increase in revenue potential compared to older generation aircraft.
ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated that the two companies share a strong commitment to the type, with over 140 aircraft on order between them.
“This makes ACG the leading lessor customer for the type and WestJet one of the largest airline customers,” Baker said.
WestJet Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Mike Scott noted that shifting deliveries to the 737-10 provides the airline with added flexibility to scale operations and meet passenger demand.
Certification timeline and labor context
The Boeing 737-10 has not yet received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Transport Canada (TC). ACG confirmed that deliveries to WestJet will commence only after the aircraft achieves regulatory approval.
The lessor has aggressively expanded its 737 MAX portfolio. In January 2026, ACG finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 25 737-10s. This acquisition gave ACG the largest 737-10 orderbook of any aircraft lessor.
Labor unrest at WestJet
The fleet announcement arrives amid significant labor friction at the Canadian airline. On July 15, 2026, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced that 99.4 percent of voting members authorized strike action. A legal strike could commence as early as August 2, 2026, potentially disrupting the carrier’s operations as it plans for future capacity growth.
AirPro News analysis
We view this lease agreement as a strategic hedge for both parties. For WestJet, securing 737-10s through a lessor provides delivery flexibility while the airline navigates immediate labor challenges and awaits the variant’s final certification. For ACG, placing 13 uncertified airframes with an established North American operator validates its heavy investment in the 737-10 program. The success of this timeline remains entirely dependent on the FAA and Transport Canada certification schedules.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.
Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Commercial Aviation
ACG and Skymark Airlines Finalize Seven Boeing 737-10 Leases
Aviation Capital Group and Skymark Airlines sign leases for seven Boeing 737-10s, with deliveries starting 2028 to grow Haneda capacity.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines (BC) have finalized lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
Announced on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement supports Skymark’s strategy to increase passenger capacity on domestic routes operating out of the highly slot-constrained Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The Boeing 737-10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, offering the airline a higher-density configuration compared to its existing fleet.
Fleet Modernization and Capacity Growth
Skymark currently operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, consisting of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-8s. According to fleet data reported by ch-aviation, the airline plans to configure the newly leased Boeing 737-10s with 207 seats. This represents an increase of 30 seats per aircraft over its current 177-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 configurations.
The capacity increase is critical for Skymark’s operations at HND, where adding new flights is restricted by slot availability. Aviation Week reports that Skymark is offering 6.03 million seats across its domestic network during the summer 2026 season, representing a 0.4 percent increase year-over-year. The introduction of the larger Boeing 737-10 will allow the carrier to grow its passenger volume without requiring additional departure slots.
“For airlines serving high-density markets from slot-constrained airports, the ability to add capacity, improve efficiency, and maximize revenue opportunities is critical,” ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated in the July 20 press release.
Expanding Boeing 737 MAX Commitments
The ACG lease agreement builds on Skymark’s existing commitments for the Boeing 737 MAX family. Aviation Week notes that the carrier already holds firm orders directly with The Boeing Company for seven Boeing 737-10s, alongside a mix of orders and lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-8s. Skymark became the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 737-8 into commercial service in May 2026, debuting the aircraft on the route between HND and Fukuoka Airport (FUK).
Skymark Airlines President and Representative Director Yoshihiro Miwa highlighted the operational benefits of the new aircraft.
“We look forward to operating the 737-10, which boasts the largest capacity in the MAX series, and welcoming even more passengers to enjoy the Skymark experience.”
The Boeing 737-10 is also expected to deliver improved operating economics. A May 2026 Skymark fleet presentation cited by ch-aviation estimated a 19 percent reduction in fuel costs per seat for the Boeing 737-10 compared to the older-generation Boeing 737-800.
Aviation Capital Group’s Farnborough Momentum
The Skymark deal marks the second major Boeing 737-10 placement announced by ACG in July 2026. On July 14, 2026, the lessor announced long-term lease agreements with Canadian carrier WestJet (WS) for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The consecutive agreements underscore strong lessor demand for the largest MAX variant as airlines seek to maximize yield in constrained airport environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view Skymark’s decision to lease additional Boeing 737-10s as a pragmatic approach to the strict slot limitations at Tokyo Haneda Airport. By upgauging from the Boeing 737-800 to the 737-10, Skymark can add 30 seats per departure. This strategy mirrors a broader industry trend where carriers operating in congested hubs rely on larger narrowbody variants to drive growth when frequency expansion is impossible. Securing these airframes through a lessor like ACG provides Skymark with delivery certainty starting in 2028, insulating the carrier’s near-term growth plans from potential direct-from-manufacturer delivery delays.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
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