Ethiopian Airlines orders more Boeing ​787-9 Dreamliners, eyes new long-haul routes

Ethiopian Airlines announced that it will acquire six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This builds on an earlier order of 20 jets, bringing the total to 26, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.

CEO Mesfin Tasew explained that the expansion is intended to strengthen long-haul routes across Africa and to destinations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, while also enabling new routes, such as Australia, that were previously not feasible due to limited aircraft availability.

Ethiopian Airlines has demonstrated solid financial performance in recent years, maintaining its leadership position within Africa’s aviation industry. The airline recorded revenues of roughly $7.6 billion during the 2024/25 fiscal year, reflecting consistent growth supported by rising passenger demand and an expanding route network.

This upward trend continued into the following fiscal period, with earnings reaching about $4.4 billion in just the first half of 2025/26. Such progress is particularly notable given ongoing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and aircraft maintenance issues. Despite these constraints, the airline has sustained strong operational activity, transporting over 10 million passengers within six months while also maintaining robust cargo performance.

A major factor behind the airline’s continued growth has been its expansion strategy, which focuses on increasing connectivity and market reach. It has introduced new destinations and enhanced flight frequencies, contributing to higher passenger numbers and improved revenue streams. Annual passenger traffic has approached approximately 19 million, indicating a consistent upward trajectory. At the domestic level, the network has expanded to include more than 26 destinations. The addition of new routes and more frequent services has also supported cargo operations. These developments are aligned with the airline’s long-term strategic framework, commonly referred to as Vision 2035, which aims to expand its global footprint and operational capacity.

The airline’s growth has been strongly supported by continuous investment in fleet modernization and expansion. Ethiopian Airlines now operates a fleet of roughly 170 aircraft, making it the largest airline group on the African continent. The company has prioritized acquiring advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft, including models such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, alongside additional narrow-body planes to serve regional markets. Plans for further aircraft deliveries in the coming years are intended to accommodate increasing demand and open new routes.

Despite its strong growth trajectory, Ethiopian Airlines faces several ongoing challenges. These include delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of critical components such as engines, and broader geopolitical uncertainties that may influence travel demand. Additionally, rising operational costs, particularly fuel and maintenance expenses, pose continued financial pressures. Nevertheless, the airline has demonstrated a capacity to adapt and sustain growth under such conditions. Looking ahead, its long-term outlook remains optimistic, with plans to expand its fleet, increase its network to over 200 international destinations, and achieve substantial revenue growth by 2035. These strategies indicate that Ethiopian Airlines is positioning itself as a major global aviation competitor rather than solely a regional leader.