Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its widebody fleet plans with an order for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, reinforcing its strategy to scale long-haul operations and strengthen connectivity across global markets.
The move converts existing options into firm orders, taking the airline’s total commitment for Boeing 787 aircraft to 26, according to reporting by Reuters and Business Insider Africa.
The additional aircraft will support Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to expand services across Africa and key intercontinental markets, including the United States, Europe and Asia.
Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew told Reuters that deliveries of the newly ordered aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2028, providing capacity for both established and new routes.
“There are mature routes we need,” Tasew said, adding that the airline is also targeting destinations it could not previously serve due to aircraft constraints, including Australia.
The latest decision follows a broader fleet acquisition strategy aimed at modernisation and network expansion.
Key details of the order include:
The agreement was signed at Boeing’s headquarters near Washington, with officials from the US administration present, according to Reuters.
Beyond long-haul expansion, the airline is evaluating options to strengthen its domestic and regional network.
As reported by Business Insider Africa, Ethiopian Airlines disclosed in June 2025 that it was considering the purchase of at least 20 smaller aircraft.
Aircraft under evaluation include:
The final selection will determine fleet composition and scale, but the intent reflects a dual-track strategy of expanding both regional connectivity and long-haul reach.
Parallel to fleet growth, Ethiopian Airlines is investing heavily in ground infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger volumes.
The airline has announced a $12.5 billion airport project in Bishoftu, located about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.
Project highlights include:
Tasew said the airport is intended to position Ethiopia as a major global aviation hub, comparable in ambition to leading transit hubs in the Middle East and Europe.
The project is backed by financing efforts led by the African Development Bank, which has committed $500 million and is working to secure additional funding of $8.7 billion, according to Business Insider Africa.
The airline’s current hub is expected to reach full capacity within two to three years, prompting accelerated investment in both aircraft and infrastructure.
Construction on the Bishoftu airport has already begun, reflecting the urgency of scaling capacity in line with demand growth.
Ethiopian Airlines’ latest aircraft order and infrastructure push signal a coordinated effort to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading carrier and a key global connector.
The success of this strategy will depend on timely aircraft deliveries, execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, and sustained demand across long-haul markets.
With fleet expansion and airport development progressing in parallel, the airline is positioning itself for a larger role in intercontinental aviation flows over the coming decade.
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