Ethiopian Airlines last week confirmed it has agreed an order with
Boeing for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX aircraft, plus the opportunity for 15 and 21 additional ones, respectively. The agreement is the largest-ever purchase of Boeing aeroplanes in African history.
Ethiopian Airlines is ordering the 787-9 variant, which is part of a Dreamliner family that reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aircraft it replaces. The carrier is also adding the 737-8 model, which reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% and creates a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to those it replaces. Both families bring better environmental performance and passenger comfort to their respective markets.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to provide cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners. The comprehensive retrofits will enhance the passenger experience with ‘advanced in-flight entertainment’ and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing joint venture
Adient Aerospace.
The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010km (7,565 nautical miles), and carry a substantial cargo load. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world. Depending on configuration, the 737-8 carries up to 210 passengers and offers a range of up to 6,480km.
Boeing’s
Commercial Market Outlook forecast for Africa projects that the continent will need 1,025 aircraft over the next two decades, of which more than 70% of commercial deliveries are expected to be single-aisle jets. Africa’s overall air-traffic growth is forecast at 7.4% through to 2042 — third-highest among global regions and above the global average growth rate of 6.1%.