Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines confirmed the carrier’s order for nine 787-9 Dreamliner jets, marking the largest single widebody deal for Boeing in Africa this year. Finalized in December 2025 alongside a separate commitment for 11 additional 737 MAX aircraft, the agreement increases Ethiopian’s Boeing backlog by 20 fuel-efficient airplanes. The new 787s will join a fleet that already serves 145 international destinations, positioning Ethiopian to meet surging demand on intercontinental routes to Europe, Asia and North America.

Ethiopian Airlines, which currently operates Africa’s largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, will deploy the nine new 787-9s on high-density long-haul routes out of Addis Ababa. The 787 Dreamliner family delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared with earlier wide-body models, enabling lower per-seat operating costs. Cargo capacity in the lower hold will also support the carrier’s expanding freight operations on key trade lanes between Africa and global markets.

The order contributes to Boeing’s efforts to rebuild its commercial backlog, which stood at 4,600 jets at the end of 2025. Boeing vice president for Commercial Sales and Marketing in Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, noted that the 787 has enabled airlines worldwide to open over 520 nonstop routes since its 2011 introduction, carrying in excess of 1 billion passengers. This deal underscores Boeing’s ongoing collaboration with African carriers and supports its goal of delivering 440 commercial airplanes in 2026.