Ethiopian Airlines has deepened its long-standing partnership with Boeing by committing to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft, strengthening its position as Africa’s largest aviation group and further expanding its growing hub in Addis Ababa. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow, adds to the airline’s already significant Boeing backlog, the largest of any African carrier.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, said the new aircraft order aligns with the airline’s long-term vision for network expansion and operational efficiency. He noted that the additional 737-8 jets will enhance the airline’s ability to serve regional and international markets, offering passengers greater comfort and reliability.
The 737 MAX family has become a core part of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet strategy. The aircraft’s efficiency, range, and quick turnaround capability make it especially valuable for high-frequency routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe—regions where rising demand is driving continuous growth.
Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, described the agreement as a reaffirmation of Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership on the continent and a milestone in the nearly 80-year relationship between the two companies. He emphasized the role Boeing aircraft continue to play in supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to strengthen connectivity across Africa and beyond.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in Africa and maintains the continent’s biggest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner orders. The new commitment further cements its status as one of the world’s most influential and forward-looking carriers.
For Boeing, the order underscores its continued aerospace leadership and global reach. The company serves customers in more than 150 countries, supported by a vast U.S. and international workforce focused on advancing safety, quality, innovation, and sustainability across commercial aviation, defense, and space systems.
The new 737-8 aircraft will play a central role in Ethiopian Airlines’ growth strategy as it continues to expand its network, elevate passenger experience, and reinforce its position as Africa’s leading global airline.
