Ethiopian Orders Ten 737-800s - 21 January, 2010
Ethiopian, the fastest growing African airline, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase ten 737-800s aircraft, delivery of which is scheduled to begin November 2011.
Mr. Girma Wake, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, signed a definitive agreement with Mr. Skip H. Thompson, Boeing’s Sales Director for the Middle East and Africa, at the Ethiopian headquarters. The total order is worth USD 767 million at a list price.
Regarding the new order, Mr. Girma said, “Ethiopian Airlines continues to progress with its rigorous fleet and network expansions catering to its growth needs. The new aircraft orders will enable the airline to fly one of the newest and greenest aircraft in Africa. The added capacity will also create further momentum to the growth of the airline in particular and the African economy in general. “
"Since its founding in December 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has been a dedicated Boeing operator from its first flights using DC-3 propeller-driven airplanes between Addis Ababa and Cairo, to recent orders for the long haul 787s and 777-200LRs, and continuing now with 737-800s. Ethiopian Airlines has been among the most profitable airlines in the region and one of our most valued partners, "said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The Boeing 737-800s are the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. The 737 next generation aircraft is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and economical performance. It incorporates an advanced-technology of wing design that helps increase fuel capacity and efficiency, both of which increase range. Ethiopian selected the B737-800s for its short and medium range operations in Africa and the Middle East to support the ever growing market demand.
Ethiopian currently has a fleet of 37 aircraft and a firm order for 45 aircraft, including eight Q400s to begin arriving in March 2010, five 777-200LRs to be delivered starting in November, ten 787s slated to begin arriving in July 2011 and twelve A350s set scheduled for delivery in 2017. The Q-400 will be used for domestic and regional services.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. With the recent addition of flight services to Mombasa and Monrovia, Ethiopian provides dependable services to 35 cities in Africa and a total of 56 international destinations spanning throughout four continents.
Ethiopian won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 on November 25, 2009 and “Airline of the year award” from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) on November 24, 2009, bringing the total Awards honored since January 2009 to five.
In August, 2008, Ethiopian won “the 2008 Corporate Achievement Award” of Aviation & Allied Business for setting the pace towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry.
Ethiopian is also the first African carrier to win the 2008 Brussels Airport Company Award in recognition of its distinguished long haul operations witnessed through the introduction of new routes, new products, and close cooperation with Brussels Airport in marketing activities.
Ethiopian was the winner of the ‘2008 Best Airline in Africa Award’ at the African Travel Award ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, for its excellent network and convenient connections in Africa.
