Ethiopian Airlines will become the first African carrier to have the Boeing 777X in its fleet. The airline agreed to purchase eight 777-9X aircraft, with options for up to 12 more on March 5.

Future Fleet Modernization

The order builds on Ethiopian's 2023 order of 11 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX aircraft. It further showcases the Ethiopian flag carrier's ambitions for a modern and efficient fleet in the future.

Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, made the following remarks about his airline's new 777X order:

“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption, and carbon emissions.”

According to Boeing, the 777-9 can seat up to 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. This type of configuration is commonplace across Ethiopian's fleet as most of its planes are in a two-class layout. Furthermore, the 777-9 can fly up to 8,388 miles (13,500 kilometers) nonstop. This range is slightly less than its predecessor, the 777-300ER, which can fly up to 8,481 miles (13,649 kilometers) nonstop.

Ethiopian has not outlined any replacement plans with the new 777Xs. With 21 such planes coming, the carrier will prefer to grow its fleet and network. Ethiopian is currently the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of countries served. The carrier will be poised to serve more countries worldwide with more widebody aircraft.

Boeing-Ethiopian Partnership

Ethiopian Airlines' partnership with Boeing goes back 75 years. Brad McMullen, Boeing's Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the company "deeply values" the carrier's trust and confidence in its aircraft.

At present, almost 65% of Ethiopian's fleet is comprised of Boeing aircraft featuring the following:

• Boeing 737NG (-700, -800)
• Boeing 737 MAX 8
• Boeing 777-200LR
• Boeing 777-300ER
• Boeing 787-8
• Boeing 787-9
• Boeing 737-800F
• Boeing 767-300F
• Boeing 777F

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that Africa's annual air traffic growth will be more than 7% through 2042. This metric is the third-highest growth rate among various global regions. Furthermore, this value is above the worldwide average of approximately 6%.

Ethiopian's 777X order is monumental as it marks the first order from any African airline. It is also significant because the aircraft has struggled to get off the ground. The 777X's official entry into service has been delayed several years due to various factors. Boeing currently forecasts that the plane will enter revenue service with Emirates in 2025.

Still, airlines worldwide have shown confidence in the 777X, stemming from the profound success of the Boeing 777 program overall. Airlines that have ordered the 777X passenger version include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Lufthansa, and British Airways. The 777X's cargo version has also succeeded, inking orders from Cargolux, Silk Way West, and Qatar Airways Cargo.