Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced the carrier has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national carrier at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.

Ethiopian is ordering the 787-9 variant, part of a Dreamliner family that reduces fuel use and emissions by 25 per cent compared to the airplanes it replaces. The carrier is also adding the 737-8 model, which reduces fuel use and emissions by 20 per cent and creates a 50 per cent smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces. Both families bring better environmental performance and passenger comfort to their respective markets.

The new commitment positions Ethiopian Airlines to further strengthen and diversify its fleet, which currently includes more than 80 Boeing jets. Ethiopian operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s. The new 737 MAX order, which will grow the airline’s backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50, will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website when finalised.