Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, expanding the African carrier’s narrow-body fleet as it seeks to grow regional and international operations, the companies said on Monday.
The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow and will support the airline’s long-term network and hub expansion strategy, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a statement.
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“The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy,” Tasew said, adding that the carrier would continue its partnership with Boeing.
Boeing senior vice president Brad McMullen said the deal reinforces “Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in Africa” and strengthens the companies’ nearly 80-year relationship.
Ethiopian Airlines already operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent and has Africa’s biggest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X and 787 aircraft.
The airline uses its 737 MAX jets on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe, where fast turnarounds and high-frequency services are key to meeting demand.
Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, builds commercial aircraft, defense systems and space technologies for more than 150 countries.
