Dreamlifter Flights Rise 69% and Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine 787s, 11 737 MAX Jets
Dreamlifter flights increased 69% year-over-year over the 30-day period ending January 9, signaling strengthened Boeing 787 production momentum after a year-end slowdown. Ethiopian Airlines finalized orders in December for nine 787-9 Dreamliners and 11 737 MAX jets, boosting Boeing’s commercial backlog by 20 fuel-efficient aircraft.
1. UBS Reports Acceleration in 787 Production Momentum
UBS analysts note that early January data indicate Boeing’s 787 production has rebounded strongly following the typical year-end slowdown. Over the 30-day period ending January 9, Dreamlifter cargo flights – which transport major 787 structural components and have historically tracked closely with production output – surged by 69% year-over-year. Analysts also point to early delivery activity in the month as supporting evidence that the production ramp is regaining pace, helping to clear the backlog of near-complete jets and bolstering Boeing’s ability to meet customer commitments in the first quarter.
2. Ethiopian Airlines Order Strengthens 787 Demand Pipeline
Boeing secured a firm order from Ethiopian Airlines for nine additional 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, finalized in December 2025 alongside a commitment for 11 more 737 MAX jets. This combined purchase boosts Ethiopian’s Boeing order book by 20 aircraft and underlines growing long-haul travel demand, with the carrier now operating a fleet that serves 145 international destinations. The deal not only reinforces Boeing’s delivery schedule for the Dreamliner family but also highlights sustained demand in the Africa-Middle East region for fuel-efficient wide-body and narrow-body jets.