Ethiopian Airlines has finalized its order for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners by converting options from its 2023 landmark deal into firm commitments. The announcement, made April 20, 2026, bolsters the airline’s widebody fleet amid surging long-haul demand.
These 787-9 jets will expand intercontinental operations from Addis Ababa, targeting new routes to Europe, Asia, and North America. They also enhance belly cargo capacity on extended flights, supporting Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s aviation gateway.
The conversion fulfills prior obligations, adding to Ethiopian’s recent Boeing purchases—including nine 787s ordered in January 2026 and 11 737 MAX jets from the Dubai Airshow. Both the nine-jet order and this six-jet firming were completed in December 2025, lifting the carrier’s order book by 20 fuel-efficient aircraft.
Currently operating 20 Boeing 787-8s, Ethiopian configures its 787-9s with 30 Cloud Nine business seats and 285 economy seats. Features like larger windows, improved pressurization, and quiet engines optimize long-haul efficiency and passenger comfort on routes to the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
This move underscores Ethiopian’s aggressive fleet growth strategy, positioning it to capture rising African long-haul traffic while reinforcing Boeing’s foothold in emerging markets.