Ethiopian Airlines orders eight new 777-9 planes

APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Africa’s biggest carrier says it was placing the order for brand new boeings to augment its fleets.

Ethiopian Airlines has placed order to purchase eight 777-9 wide body jets from the Boeing Company, with potential for up to 12 additional aircraft orders, the airlines said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of 777-9 jets makes the national carrier the first customer of the plane type in Africa in addition to its 2023 order of 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX jets.

 “We are pleased to continue setting the trend in Africa aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction,” the statement quoted Mesfin Tasew, CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, as saying.

The 777-9 features new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines that will enable the airplane to achieve 10 percent better fuel efficiency and operating costs than other fleet families.

“Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” Tasew said.

According to the CEO, the 777-9 will support the Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

The statement noted that Boeing airplanes make up more than half of the Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet.

“Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet,” the statement quoted Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president, as saying.

As part of its Vision 2035, Ethiopian Airlines is planning to fly to more than 209 international destinations, flying with more than 271 modern and eco-friendly airplanes.

MG/as/APA