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Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, taking its total order to 26 planes scheduled for delivery from 2028. The move supports the airline’s plans to expand long-haul routes across Africa, the U.S., Europe and Asia, while also exploring new destinations such as Australia. Alongside fleet expansion, the airline is progressing with a USD 12.5 billion airport project in Bishoftu, expected to be Africa’s largest by 2030. The project has drawn interest from global lenders, including strong participation signals from U.S. financial institutions.
Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has confirmed an order for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its long-term fleet expansion strategy. The order was finalised with Boeing and adds to the airline’s earlier purchase of 20 aircraft, including a batch confirmed earlier this year. Advertisement
Following the agreement, Group CEO Mesfin Tasew indicated that the airline has now converted previously held options into firm orders. Deliveries of the total 26 aircraft are expected to begin in 2028, aligning with the airline’s expansion timeline.
The airline is focusing on strengthening its long-haul operations across Africa and international markets such as the United States, Europe and Asia. Tasew explained that the airline has identified several established routes that require larger aircraft capacity, particularly within Africa. He also pointed out that certain planned routes, including services to Australia, were earlier not feasible due to aircraft shortages.
The signing ceremony took place at Boeing’s headquarters near Washington and was attended by officials from the Trump administration, which has been focusing on increasing exports of U.S.-manufactured aircraft.
Alongside fleet expansion, Ethiopian Airlines is also progressing with a major infrastructure project. The airline’s CEO discussed a USD 12.5 billion airport development planned in Bishoftu, which is expected to become the largest airport in Africa upon completion in 2030. The project is being developed in a town located around 45 km from Addis Ababa.
Tasew stated that the upcoming airport is planned with a passenger handling capacity of 60 million and will feature modern infrastructure. He added that the airline aims to position the facility as a major aviation hub comparable to leading global transit centres such as Dubai and Istanbul.
The airline has secured the contract to design the four-runway airport, with construction having commenced earlier this year. Once completed, the new facility is expected to have more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport, which is projected to reach its operational limits within the next few years due to rising passenger traffic.
Funding for the project is being supported by multiple lenders, including the African Development Bank, which had earlier committed USD 500 million and is leading efforts to mobilise an additional USD 8.7 billion. The airline has also seen encouraging interest from U.S. financial institutions looking to participate in the project.
Source Reuters
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