Ethiopian Airlines Secures Nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Expand Long-Haul Network

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, has confirmed a major fleet expansion order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s aviation sector. The order, finalized in December 2025, reflects the airline’s strategic response to surging international travel demand and its commitment to strengthening its position as the region’s premier long-haul carrier. Combined with an earlier purchase of 11 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced at the Dubai Airshow, the carrier has added 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes to its order book, signaling an ambitious growth trajectory for the coming years.

Expanding Global Connectivity From the Heart of Africa

The nine 787-9 variants will enhance Ethiopian Airlines’ ability to connect its sprawling international network, which currently encompasses 145 destinations across multiple continents. Based in Addis Ababa, the carrier operates Africa’s largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, deploying both 787-8 and 787-9 models on intercontinental routes spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. The new aircraft will strengthen the airline’s presence on these high-demand corridors while maintaining essential intra-African connections that drive regional commerce and tourism.

Operational Excellence Meets Environmental Responsibility

The 787 Dreamliner’s advanced engineering delivers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the aircraft it replaces, translating into lower operational costs and reduced carbon emissions. This efficiency advantage is particularly valuable for Ethiopian Airlines’ business model, which combines passenger transport with significant cargo operations. The aircraft’s belly cargo capacity enables the carrier to monetize secondary revenue streams on high-demand trade routes, a critical advantage in Africa’s emerging e-commerce and export sectors.

Consolidating Africa’s Largest Boeing Fleet

With this expansion, Ethiopian Airlines reinforces its unmatched position in African aviation. The airline already operates the continent’s largest Boeing fleet and maintains the region’s most substantial backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This investment underscores a deliberate strategy to dominate long-haul routes and capture growing demand from middle-class travelers seeking reliable, modern air transportation across Africa and beyond.