Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for 20 B737 MAX 8s, with the option for a further 15. The order – the largest that Boeing has every received from an African carrier – is valued at US$2.1 billion at list prices.
The purchase is part of Ethiopian’s “Vision 2025” strategic plan, in which the airline is attempting to expand its operations to cater for 18 million passengers per annum.
Armed with CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements, the B737 MAX is 14 per cent more fuel-efficient than today’s most efficient Next-Generation 737s – and 20 per cent better than the original 737 models when they first entered service.
"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," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of sales for Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, speaking in Chicago.
"Throughout the years, Ethiopian has consistently led the way in introducing new airplane types to passengers across Africa. Today's record order signals its commitment to continue that tradition”.
For more information, visit flyethiopian.com and boeing.com
Clement Huang
