Ethiopian Airlines purchases additional longhaul aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has taken a strategic step forward in its long-haul expansion plans with a firm order of nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Announced on January 20, 2026, this latest order comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues to respond to rising international travel demand with fuel-efficient widebody aircraft. The nine new Dreamliners are all 787-9 variants, are slated for delivery between 2031 and 2033, and will bolster the airline’s ability to serve long-haul routes across Europe, Asia, North America, and key intra-African markets.

Ethiopian Airlines currently serves more than 145 international destinations, making it not just Africa’s most prolific airline but also a bridge between the continent and the rest of the world. With this new order, the Dreamliner, which is already the backbone of its widebody operations, will play an even greater role in connecting passengers and cargo across continents. CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted that the purchase reinforces the airline’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, modern fleet renewal, and improved customer experience. “We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation,” he said.

This acquisition doesn’t stand alone. It complements Ethiopian Airlines’ recent commitment to 11 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft, announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, bringing its total Boeing orders from that period to 20 fuel-efficient jets.