Ethiopian Airlines Converts Six Boeing 787-9 Options Into Firm Orders

‍SEATTLE — Boeing said on Monday that Ethiopian Airlines (ET) converted options for six 787-9 Dreamliners into firm orders, adding to the carrier’s widebody growth plan as it expands long-haul flying from Addis Ababa. Boeing said the aircraft will support international network growth and additional cargo capacity.

The new commitment fully exercises Ethiopian’s remaining 2023 787 options, according to Boeing. The manufacturer described Ethiopian as Africa’s largest 787 operator, with the Dreamliner already central to the airline’s intercontinental network across Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as key routes within Africa.

Focus stays on long-haul expansion

Ethiopian said the six 787-9s will help it continue growing with newer, fuel-efficient aircraft. Reuters reported the airline expects to use the additional jets on both established and underserved long-haul markets, with Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew specifically pointing to network opportunities that had been limited by aircraft shortages. Reuters also reported that deliveries from Ethiopian’s latest batch of 787 orders are expected to begin in 2028.

The latest order follows Ethiopian’s January announcement for nine more 787 Dreamliners, alongside 11 additional 737 MAX aircraft finalized in December 2025. That earlier order underscored the airline’s broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy, with Boeing positioning Ethiopian as one of its most important African customers across both narrowbody and widebody programs.

While six additional 787s may not be a major market development, the order is significant. It highlights Ethiopian’s ongoing efforts to develop Addis Ababa as a long-haul hub and Boeing’s continued success with a leading African airline group. The cargo aspect is also important, as Boeing noted Ethiopian will use the 787-9s to increase belly capacity in response to growing long-haul demand.