Ethiopian Airlines has announced the purchase of six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its strategy to expand its long-haul routes. This decision confirms the ambitions of Africa's largest airline to strengthen its presence in international markets.
According to its CEO, Mesfin Tasew, this order represents the conversion of six options into firm purchases, adding to a previous order for 20 aircraft, nine of which had already been acquired earlier this year. In total, the company plans to receive 26 of these aircraft starting in 2028.
These new aircraft will allow Ethiopian Airlines to expand its capacity on existing routes, particularly in Africa, while also opening new destinations. The airline specifically mentioned plans for flights to Australia, which were previously impossible due to a lack of suitable aircraft.
This investment is part of a broader strategy to consolidate the company's position on routes between Africa, the United States, Europe, and Asia. The Boeing 787-9s, renowned for their fuel efficiency and range, are a key asset for these ambitions.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines is pursuing a major project with the construction of a new airport near Addis Ababa, in the city of Bishoftu. This hub, estimated to cost $12,5 billion, is expected to become the largest on the African continent upon its completion.
With a planned capacity of 60 million passengers and state-of-the-art infrastructure, this future airport aims to position Ethiopia as a major air hub, like Dubai or Istanbul. This dual strategy – fleet expansion and infrastructure development – confirms the group's ambitions on the global aviation stage.
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