ADDIS ABABA, April 21 – Africa’s largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines is accelerating its global expansion with an order for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, strengthening its long-haul capacity across key international routes.
The airline’s CEO, Mesfin Tasew, confirmed the deal during a signing ceremony at Boeing’s headquarters in the United States. The order converts previously secured purchase options into firm commitments, bringing Ethiopian Airlines’ total Dreamliner orders to 26. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
The additional aircraft will allow the airline to expand services across Africa and to major global destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Tasew noted that fleet limitations had previously constrained expansion into certain routes, including Australia.
Alongside fleet expansion, the airline is investing heavily in infrastructure. It is developing a $12.5 billion airport in Bishoftu, designed to become Africa’s largest aviation hub upon completion in 2030.
The new facility will have a capacity of 60 million passengers annually, more than four times that of the current main airport serving Addis Ababa, which is expected to reach capacity within a few years.
Financing for the project includes support from the African Development Bank, which has committed funding and is helping to mobilize additional capital from global lenders.
The expansion reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to position itself as a leading global carrier and transform Ethiopia into a major aviation hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world.
