Ethiopian Airlines purchases six more Boeing 787 Dream Liners

Ethiopian Airlines Press Release
Tigrai Online, June 17, 2015

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, is pleased to announce the purchase of six additional B-787 from Boeing

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, is pleased to announce the purchase of six additional B-787 from Boeing.

The decision to purchase the equipment was based on the airlines ongoing fleet modernization strategy to operate state-of-the-art and technologically advanced aircraft. The aircraft will begin to arrive at Ethiopian from mid-2016 onwards.

Ethiopia was the second country in the world and first in Africa to own and operate the game changing aviation wonder, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, in 2012. Currently, Ethiopian operates 13 Dreamliner aircraft maintaining its leadership position by operating the largest Dreamliner fleet in Africa.

Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian Airlines CEO said; “In line with our Vision 2025 strategic road map and our fleet modernization and expansion project, we will keep investing in the latest technology aircrafts which are widely appreciated by our customers.” He added “This new addition to our fleet will not only benefit Ethiopian because of its unmatched operating costs, but will also help us to enhance the overall travel experience of our travelers. The Boeing 787 aircraft has already earned appreciation of our customers and we will continue with our fleet modernization program with our customer’s preferences in mind."

The continued investments in fleet modernization, human resources development and information systems has positioned Ethiopian at the forefront of modern aviation in Africa, registering profits for the last consecutive years of the implementation of Vision 2025.

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide Ethiopian with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"The 787 is a perfect fit in capacity and economy for Ethiopian’s medium to long haul routes," said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The order will enable the airline to realize greater efficiencies, improved performance and enhanced passenger comfort, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the airline which goes back to its first order in 1960."

Ethiopian Airlines is the first African operator of the 787. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes in passenger service, and has 757, MD11, 777 and a 737-400F airplane in cargo operations.

Contact: Keelan Morris
International Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+44 208-235-5665
keelan.j.morris@boeing.com
Hanna Atnafu
Manager PR & Publications
Ethiopian Airlines
Tel: (251-1) 517-84-07
publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com