Ethiopian Airlines announced that it has exercised the options for six Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner aircraft, converting them into firm orders. The six new orders bring the airline’s total 787‑9 commitment to 24 aircraft, adding to the 20‑aircraft order already in place and expanding its long‑haul fleet from Addis Ababa to key destinations across Europe, Asia and North America.
The firm order strengthens Ethiopian’s strategy to grow its intercontinental network and increase cargo capacity amid rising demand for long‑haul travel. The 787‑9’s high fuel efficiency—up to 20 % lower consumption than the Boeing 767—supports the airline’s focus on operational excellence and cost control. The order follows a January 2026 purchase of nine additional 787 Dreamliners and a December 2025 order of 11 737 MAX aircraft, underscoring a sustained investment in fleet modernization.
For Boeing, the six aircraft add to a commercial airplane backlog of $567.3 billion at the end of December 2025, reinforcing confidence in the 787 platform and adding a substantial order value to its pipeline. The backlog, which includes more than 6,100 aircraft, reflects the company’s continued ability to secure large orders from key customers such as Ethiopian Airlines, one of its most important African customers.
Ethiopian Airlines’ financial performance has been strong, with a fiscal year 2023/24 revenue of $7.04 billion and 17.1 million passengers. In the first half of the 2025/26 fiscal year, revenue reached $4.4 billion and 10.64 million passengers, indicating steady growth. Boeing’s Q4 2025 revenue was $23.9 billion, highlighting the broader market demand for commercial aircraft.
"Converting the options of six Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner airplanes into a firm order is truly a proud moment for us," said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. "The order shows Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainable growth and preparation for further achievements. Growing our fleet size with ultra‑modern airplanes such as the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, we are further maintaining operational excellence and passengers’ comfort." Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek added, "We’re proud that Ethiopian Airlines continues to look to the 787 Dreamliner to serve as the backbone of their fleet as they grow and modernize their operations, open new routes and comfortably serve more passengers."
The order positions Ethiopian Airlines to capture growing long‑haul travel demand and expand its cargo services, while bolstering Boeing’s backlog and reinforcing the 787’s market position. The firm commitment signals confidence in the aircraft’s fuel efficiency and the airline’s strategic focus on intercontinental connectivity, both of which are expected to drive future revenue growth for both companies.
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