Boeing announced significant aircraft orders during the Dubai Airshow, including commitments from Ethiopian Airlines to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets and from Air Senegal for nine 737 MAX airplanes. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, will expand its fleet with these new aircraft, supporting its regional and international growth plans. The agreement reflects the airline's ongoing partnership with Boeing, which has been operational for nearly 80 years.
Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa's largest Boeing fleet, including 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new order will enable Ethiopian to further expand its network and improve passenger services. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the fleet expansion.
Regional Expansion and Strategic Growth
Simultaneously, Air Senegal announced its first Boeing 737 MAX order, marking a major milestone as the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase and its first Boeing order since 2004. The 737 MAX will provide increased operational efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and a quieter noise footprint, facilitating the airline’s regional and international route expansion from Dakar.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Sénégal,” said chief executive officer Tidiane Ndiaye. “This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president, highlighted the importance of the orders in supporting sustainable development in the region and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the airline into the Boeing fleet. These orders demonstrate Boeing’s continuing influence in Africa’s aviation sector and its commitment to supporting airline growth in emerging markets.
