Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Ethiopian Airlines Firmly Orders Six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Ethiopian Airlines converts options to firm orders for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, supporting fleet growth and cargo expansion under Vision 2035.
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.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Drukair Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for A320neo Fleet Order
Drukair picks CFM LEAP-1A engines for five A320neo family aircraft, including two A321XLRs, with deliveries starting in 2030.
Drukair has finalized the propulsion choice for its upcoming fleet expansion, selecting CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power five new Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
The engine selection, announced in a CFM International press release on September 14, 2026, supports an aircraft order originally outlined in a July 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. The Bhutanese national carrier will use the new equipment to expand its international network, with aircraft deliveries anticipated to begin in 2030.
Fleet Modernization and Expansion
The order consists of three Airbus A320neo and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Drukair currently operates a mixed narrowbody fleet that includes one LEAP-powered A320neo and three older Airbus A319ceo aircraft powered by CFM56 engines.
The airline has been a CFM customer since 2004, when it received its first A319ceo. The new LEAP-1A engines will provide commonality with the existing A320neo while supporting the longer-range capabilities of the A321XLR.
Drukair Chief Executive Officer Tandi Wangchuk noted that the efficiency and reliability of the LEAP-1A assets will support the carrier’s growth.
“The LEAP-1A assets in terms of efficiency and reliability will support Drukair’s next phase of growth across Asia while helping us strengthen connectivity and deliver greater value to our passengers,” Wangchuk said.
CFM International Production Milestones
The agreement reinforces CFM International’s position in the South Asian aviation market. CFM President and Chief Executive Officer Gaël Méheust stated the manufacturer remains committed to supporting the airline’s growth and ensuring a smooth integration of the new aircraft into the fleet.
According to the manufacturer, the LEAP engine program has reached a milestone of 10,000 global deliveries. The engine provides improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to the legacy CFM56 powerplants currently operating on Drukair’s A319ceo fleet.
AirPro News analysis
The selection of the LEAP-1A is a logical continuation of Drukair’s existing fleet strategy. By maintaining engine commonality with its single in-service A320neo, the airline avoids the maintenance and training overhead that would come from introducing a competing powerplant. We view the inclusion of the A321XLR as the more transformative element of this order. The aircraft’s extended range will allow the landlocked nation to bypass traditional regional hubs and establish direct links to more distant markets in Asia-Pacific or the Middle East once deliveries commence in 2030.
Sources: CFM International
Photo Credit: CFM International
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Airbus A350F Clears Ground Tests Before First Flight
Airbus completes Virtual First Flight program for the A350 Freighter ahead of maiden flight targeted for late September 2026.
Airbus has completed the final simulation milestones for the A350 Freighter (A350F) and is preparing the aircraft for its maiden flight from Toulouse, France, targeted for late September 2026.
In a press release issued on September 14, 2026, the manufacturer detailed the completion of its “Virtual First Flight” (VFF) program and ground vibration testing. The milestone marks the final phase of ground preparations before the new widebody freighter enters a 400-hour flight test campaign aimed at securing certification in 2027. The A350F is designed to challenge Boeing in the heavy cargo market, featuring a maximum payload capacity of 111 tonnes and a range of 4,700 nautical miles.
Aerodynamic modeling and the Virtual First Flight
The A350F utilizes a unique fuselage configuration that requires extensive aerodynamic validation. Laurent Bussiere, Lead Flight Test Engineer for the A350F program, noted that the aircraft combines the forward fuselage length of the Airbus A350-900 with the rear fuselage length and wings of the Airbus A350-1000.
“It’s not an A350-1000 and it’s not an A350-900, but rather it’s between both. So we need to look at the behavior of the whole system with this unique model,” Bussiere said.
To prepare the five-person flight test crew, Airbus conducted the VFF program in early September 2026. The program consisted of 13 simulation sessions, each lasting approximately five hours. Bussiere stated that the simulation setup is 90% representative of the physical aircraft. The remaining 10% of the aerodynamic characteristics remain an unverified model. Because of this variable, the initial flight will be executed in “Direct Law”, requiring manual control by the flight crew until the aerodynamic model is validated in the air.
Flight test campaign and EASA certification
The global certification campaign is scheduled to last nine months and encompass 400 flight-hours. Airbus will utilize two test aircraft for the program. The first aircraft, designated MSN700, features a “flying parcel” test livery and will focus on aerodynamic performance, handling, and autopilot systems. The second aircraft, MSN701, is dedicated to system-related testing, including fire and smoke detection as well as hot and cold weather campaigns.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is actively involved in the flight test plan. EASA pilots and flight test engineers will participate as onboard witnesses during performance flights ahead of the formal certification phase planned for 2027.
Airbus is also prioritizing ground operations during the test phase to ensure the aircraft is ready for commercial service.
“In terms of cargo operation, which is the A350F’s entire raison d’être, we are focusing on maturity right from the start. Our target is to be able to load and unload various representative containers and payloads every day after flight,” Bussiere said.
Order book and market entry
Airbus targets the first commercial delivery of the A350F for the second half of 2027. The manufacturer states the freighter will deliver a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft with similar payload and range capabilities.
According to reporting by Cargo Facts, an undisclosed customer placed a firm order for eight A350Fs on August 31, 2026. This transaction brought the total firm order book for the type to 115 aircraft ahead of the maiden flight.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the nine-month flight test campaign outlined by Airbus represents an aggressive schedule for a widebody derivative with significant structural modifications. Flight test programs for aircraft of this size typically require 12 to 15 months to complete. While the extensive use of the Virtual First Flight program mitigates some developmental risk, any delays discovered during the 400-hour physical test campaign could push the targeted second-half 2027 entry into service into 2028.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boyu Capital to Acquire Xiamen Aircraft Leasing by End of 2026
Boyu Capital agrees to buy Xiamen Aircraft Leasing, a China-based mid-life aircraft and engine lessor, with closing targeted for end of 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg News.
Asia-focused investment firm Boyu Capital has reached an agreement to acquire Xiamen Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd., signaling continued private equity interest in the Chinese aviation asset management sector. The transaction is targeted to close by the end of 2026, according to reporting by Bloomberg News on September 10, 2026.
The acquisition targets a specialized player in the mid-life commercial aircraft, engine, and helicopter leasing market. Xiamen Aircraft Leasing, established in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in September 2015, focuses on asset management, trading, and recycling. Financial terms and the exact valuation of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, and neither company has issued a formal press release confirming the agreement.
Path to acquisition
The agreement follows a strategic review initiated earlier in the year. In March 2026, Xiamen Aircraft Leasing hired an adviser to explore a potential sale of the business.
The process attracted attention from multiple investment firms looking to expand their footprint in the Asian aviation market. Bloomberg reported that Bain Capital was among the entities expressing interest before Boyu Capital ultimately secured the agreement.
Recent fleet activity
Leading up to the acquisition, Xiamen Aircraft Leasing maintained an active presence in the secondary aircraft market. The lessor has continued to execute transactions involving widebody assets to support its mid-life management strategy.
In December 2025, the company acquired two Airbus A330-300 aircraft from commercial aircraft lessor Azorra. The aircraft, carrying manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 1432 and 1579, are currently on lease to Sichuan Airlines (3U).
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a clear indicator of the ongoing consolidation within the Asian aviation leasing market. Private equity firms like Boyu Capital are increasingly drawn to specialized lessors that manage mid-life assets, as these platforms offer predictable cash flows and opportunities in the aircraft recycling and parts trading sectors. The transition of Xiamen Aircraft Leasing to new ownership will likely provide the capital backing necessary to expand its portfolio in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: Bloomberg News
Photo Credit: Xiamen Aircraft Leasing
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