Ethiopian Airlines to acquire 84 aircraft worth USD 23 billion
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s fastest-growing airline, has finalized agreements at the Dubai Airshow to acquire a total of 84 aircraft for a combined value of USD 23 billion at list price.
In a statement, the airline said noteworthy deals were struck with industry giants Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce for both aircraft purchases and comprehensive engine care services.
This includes orders for 67 aircraft from Boeing, comprising 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX planes, with options for additional jets.
Additionally, Ethiopian committed to purchasing 11 Airbus A350-900s with potential for six more.
Ethiopian Airlines also inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce for a Total Care service agreement covering 22 Trent XWB-84 engines, exclusive to the Airbus A350-900 fleet.
The Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr. Mesfin Tasew expressed satisfaction with the deals, emphasizing the operational reliability and passenger comfort offered by the Boeing 787-9, 737-8, and Airbus A350-900 models in the airline’s current fleet.
Tasew highlighted the alignment of these acquisitions with the company’s long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategy, aiming to enhance passenger experience and environmental sustainability.
He said, “We are pleased to reach a deal with both Boeing and Airbus for the purchase of these additional 84 airplanes. The Boeing 787-9, 737 -8 and the Airbus A350-900 aircraft models have been in ET fleet for several years now, and have demonstrated the highest level of passenger comfort, operational reliability and reduced operational cost.
“This order is consistent with our long-term fleet renewal and expansion plan. As a customer focused airline, we are particularly excited to boost our fleet with these ultra-modern airplanes that ensure a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers, while being environmentally friendly with reduced carbon footprint.”
Currently boasting a fleet of over 140 modern aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines serves 133 destinations globally.
The agreements sealed at the Dubai Airshow propel the airline toward realizing its strategic objectives by 2035.
