GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has delivered a new leased Boeing 777-300ER to Ethiopian Airlines.

The new aircraft comes from GECAS’s existing order book with Boeing and is part of the carrier’s plans to expand its aircraft fleet.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said that the company has a longstanding partnership with GE.

"Most of our fleet are powered by GE engines, and GECAS is our major partner in our fleet growth and modernisation project," GebreMariam said.

"We aim to more than double our current fleet size by 2025."

"With the boom of travel between Africa and the rest of the world, and our vision 2025 strategic roadmap of fast, profitable and sustainable growth, we aim to more than double our current fleet size by 2025. Our partnership with GE is, therefore, set for a very bright future."

Ethiopian Airlines currently leases two Boeing 777F freighter jets, two Boeing 737-700 aircraft and one Boeing 757-200 from GECAS.

According to GECAS, the aviation industry and demand for aircraft in African continent will continue to grow.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, GECAS already leases 36 aircraft to 12 airlines in eight different countries and maintains offices in South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya.

GECAS Sub-Saharan Africa sales and marketing senior vice-president Ryan Barrett said: "We congratulate Ethiopian Airlines on the newest addition to its fleet and are delighted to be part of our longstanding customer’s continued growth."

Defence Technology