Boeing’s strong start to the 
Dubai Airshow 2025 has continued with an order for another 11 737 MAX 8s by Ethiopian Airlines. The news comes hot on the heels of Emirates purchasing another 65 777-9s, with Boeing having also confirmed a feasibility study for a potential larger 777-10 model. The carrier is the youngest airline in Africa and has the continent’s largest fleet, and this commitment will see it bolster its position on these fronts.
Ethiopian Airlines already has almost 30 examples of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 on order, with these set to be delivered between now and the end of the decade. The addition of another 11 units of the type speaks to the strength of the working relationship between the two parties, despite recent challenges.
The Current State Of Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing Fleet
Monday, November 17, 06:25 EST | 15:25 Local
According to ch-aviation, Ethiopian’s narrowbody fleet is dominated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8, with 22 examples present. It also has three 737-700s, seven passenger 737-800s, one private 737-800, and four 737-800 freighters at its disposal.
When it comes to Boeing widebodies, Ethiopian’s coverage on the passenger side of things is split between six 777-200LRs, five 777-300ERs, 19 787-8s, and 10 787-9s. The carrier also favors Boeing’s larger jets for cargo coverage, with four 767 freighters and 12 777 freighters at its disposal at present.
Sticking With Boeing Despite Past Challenges
Monday, November 17, 06:15 EST | 15:15 Local
In years gone by, it’s fair to say that Ethiopian Airlines hasn’t had the easiest working relationship with Boeing when it comes to the 737 MAX family. Indeed, one of the two fatal crashes involving the type that led to its grounding involved an Ethiopian Airlines flight. However, bridges between the two parties have now been rebuilt, and today’s confirmation of an order for another 11 MAX 8s represents a considerable vote of confidence.
This was not something that was lost on Brad McMullen, Boeing’s representative at today’s press conference, who thanked Ethiopian Airlines for its ‘unwavering’ partnership with the US planemaker. Indeed, the Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing said that “we have challenged that [partnership], we know, and we are just so grateful that you and your team have decided to stick with The Boeing Company. We don’t take it lightly.”
McMullen was also keen to highlight the fact that Boeing’s partnership with Ethiopian Airlines dates back almost 80 years, saying that “we are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines’ growth.” The carrier flies the type both within Africa and further afield to destinations in the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, and, with more examples coming, network growth could be on the cards.
Narrowbodies Ordered, Widebodies Next?
Monday, November 17, 06:05 EST | 15:05 Local
Alongside the 28 examples of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 that Ethiopian Airlines already has on order, today’s newly announced deal for another 11 units of the type takes its total order book for the next-generation narrowbody twinjet to a grand total of 39 aircraft. Revealed just now at the Dubai Airshow 2025 by Brad McMullen from The 
Boeing Company and Mesfin Tasew from Ethiopian Airlines, the deal is likely not the last we’ll see this year.
Indeed, it was also announced at today’s press conference that Ethiopian Airlines is likely to confirm an order for more Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the coming weeks, underlining its commitment to the US planemaker on both the narrowbody and widebody fronts. The order announced today sees the carrier confirm earlier options for the type, but it is also evaluating the potential for further purchases. Mesfin Tasew from Ethiopian Airlines said:
“We are very pleased to continue working with Boeing. Our relationship is based on one of trust and partnership. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Boeing’s leadership, Stephanie [Pope], Brad, and the rest of the Boeing team.”
