Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for Fleet Expansion

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

Ethiopian Airlines Expands Long-Haul Capabilities with New Boeing Order

On January 20, 2026, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced a significant agreement for the purchase of nine 787-9 Dreamliners. In addition to the widebody acquisition, the carrier confirmed the finalization of an order for 11 737 MAX 8 jets, solidifying its commitment to modernizing both its long-haul and regional fleets.

According to the joint statement released by the manufacturer and the airline, this deal is a pivotal component of Ethiopian Airlines’ “Vision 2035” strategic roadmap. The plan aims to dramatically increase the carrier’s fleet size and route network over the next decade. By selecting the 787-9, the airline continues to operate the largest Dreamliner fleet in Africa, leveraging the aircraft’s efficiency to open new routes and increase frequency on existing long-haul services.

Deal Specifics and Fleet Modernization

The agreement encompasses two distinct aircraft types, addressing different segments of the airline’s operational needs. While the 787-9s represent new growth, the 737 MAX portion of the announcement serves as the formal completion of a commitment originally made at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025.

Expanding the Widebody Fleet

The core of this announcement is the firm order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The 787-9 is the “stretched” variant of the Dreamliner family, offering greater passenger capacity and range compared to the 787-8, which Ethiopian Airlines was the first to introduce to the African continent.

Industry data indicates that deliveries for these widebody jets are scheduled to commence in 2031 and continue through 2033. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s sustainability goals, as the new jets are expected to reduce fuel use and emissions by approximately 25% compared to the older models they will replace.

“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.”

, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines

Finalizing the Narrowbody Commitment

Alongside the widebody order, the airline has finalized the purchase of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets. These aircraft are intended for short-to-medium haul routes and will complement the carrier’s existing narrowbody fleet. The 737 MAX 8 offers improved fuel efficiency and range over previous-generation 737s, supporting high-frequency regional connections across Africa and to the Middle East.

Strategic Context: Vision 2035

This procurement is directly tied to Ethiopian Airlines’ ambitious “Vision 2035” growth strategy. Publicly available details regarding the roadmap outline a target of expanding the fleet from approximately 168 aircraft to over 270 units by 2035. Furthermore, the airline aims to grow its network to more than 200 international destinations, with a focus on markets in Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.

To support this expansion, the airline is also investing in infrastructure, including the development of a new $6 billion mega-airport in Bishoftu. Once completed, this facility is projected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, necessitating a substantial increase in fleet capacity.

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Maintaining a Dual-Manufacturer Strategy

While this order highlights a strong partnership with Boeing, it is important to note that Ethiopian Airlines maintains a diversified fleet strategy. The carrier operates a significant number of Airbus A350-900s and has orders for the larger A350-1000. By balancing orders between major manufacturers, the airline mitigates delivery risks and maintains leverage in negotiations.

However, the continued investment in the 737 MAX and 787 families signals confidence in Boeing’s products despite historical challenges. For Boeing, securing this order from Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier is a crucial endorsement as it seeks to stabilize its production backlog and reaffirm its market position in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated value of the deal?
While the exact purchase price is confidential and typically involves significant discounts, the deal is valued at approximately $3.9 billion at list prices. This estimate includes ~$2.6 billion for the nine 787-9s and ~$1.3 billion for the 11 737 MAX 8s.

When will the new aircraft be delivered?
Deliveries for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are scheduled to begin in 2031 and run through 2033. The 737 MAX 8 deliveries are part of an ongoing narrowbody expansion.

Does this order replace existing aircraft?
The new aircraft are intended for both growth and replacement. They will help phase out older models, such as the Boeing 767, while also providing the additional capacity needed to meet the targets set in the Vision 2035 roadmap.

Sources

• Boeing Media Room