Ethiopian MAX8

Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order with Boeing for 20 737 MAX 8s with options for a further 15 737 MAX 8s in a deal valued $2.1bn at list prices.

Previously listed as unidentified on the Boeing orders and deliveries website, the order is said to be the largest Boeing aircraft order from an African carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said: "Today’s order underlines our commitment to our 15-year strategic plan, ‘Vision 2025’, in which Ethiopian will strive to become the leading airline group in Africa carrying 18 million passengers per annum.

"The 737 MAX will form a key component of that strategic vision, enhancing our single-aisle fleet and keeping us at the forefront of African aviation."

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX features advanced technology winglets and other improvements that are claimed to offer improved efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX is claimed to be 14% more fuel-efficient compared to the current Next-Generation 737s and 20% better than the original Next-Generation 737s.

"Today’s order underlines our commitment to our 15-year strategic plan."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Latin America, Africa and Caribbean sales vice-president Van Rex Gallard said: "This historic order for Boeing and our partner Ethiopian once again positions the carrier at the heart of African aerospace innovation with the acquisition of the 737 MAX."

Boeing has secured 2,294 orders for the 737 MAX from 47 customers worldwide to date.

The latest order comes after aircraft lessor Avolon finalised its more than $2.1bn order for six 787-9 Dreamliners and five 737 MAX 9s.

Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to five continents and serves more than 83 destinations, and is based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.

The carrier’s fleet comprises over 50 Boeing aeroplanes, including Next-Generation 737s, 757s, 767s, 777s, 787 Dreamliners and a cargo fleet of 757s, 777 Freighters and MD-11s.

Image: A 737 MAX 8 in Ethiopian livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology