Ethiopian Airlines Expands Fleet with New Boeing 787 Dreamliner Order to Boost Global Routes

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has announced the purchase of six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its strategy to expand long-haul operations across Africa and key international destinations. The new order strengthens the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and increasing capacity for routes connecting Africa to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

According to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, the latest deal involves converting six previously secured options into firm orders. This follows an earlier purchase of 20 Boeing 787 jets, including nine added earlier this year. With this expansion, the airline now expects to receive a total of 26 Dreamliner aircraft beginning in 2028, positioning it for sustained growth in the competitive global aviation market.

Tasew emphasized that the additional aircraft will help address current limitations in fleet availability, enabling the airline to operate larger planes on high-demand African routes and explore new destinations such as Australia. The investment highlights Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to strengthen its presence in underserved markets while improving connectivity and passenger experience.

The agreement was finalized during a signing ceremony at Boeing’s headquarters near Washington, attended by officials from the United States government. The deal aligns with broader efforts to promote U.S. exports, particularly in the aerospace sector, where Boeing remains a key player.

In addition to fleet expansion, Ethiopian Airlines is advancing a major infrastructure project—a $12.5 billion airport development in Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the new airport will feature four runways and accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually, making it Africa’s largest aviation hub.

Backed by financing from institutions such as the African Development Bank and interest from U.S. investors, the project aims to transform Ethiopia into a central gateway for global travel, rivaling major hubs like Dubai and Istanbul.