Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines announced on November 17, 2025 that Ethiopian committed to purchase 11 additional 737-8 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. The order will support Ethiopian Airlines' plan to expand regional and international routes and grow its Addis Ababa hub.

The airline already operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa and holds the continent's largest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes. Boeing described the agreement as strengthening an almost 80-year partnership with the carrier and the region.

Positive

• Order for 11 737-8 MAX committed on Nov 17, 2025
• Supports expansion of Addis Ababa hub and regional/international routes
• Reinforces Ethiopian as Africa's largest Boeing backlog holder
• Strengthens nearly 80-year Boeing–Ethiopian partnership

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-1.39%

1 alert

-1.39% News Effect

On the day this news was published, BA declined 1.39%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

• New 737 MAX agreement to expand African carrier's regional and international route networks
• Ethiopian Airlines has the largest backlog of Boeing airplanes in Africa

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines announced today Africa's largest carrier has committed to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets. The agreement for 11 737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub.

"We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow," said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. "The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort."

The carrier leverages the reliability, efficiency and range of its 737 MAX fleet on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where quick turnarounds and frequency are essential to meet passenger demand.

"Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines' growth as they further connect the African continent and the world."

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes on the continent.  

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Contact
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ethiopian-airlines-commits-to-order-11-boeing-737-max-airplanes-302617001.html

SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What did Ethiopian Airlines announce about Boeing (BA) on November 17, 2025?

Ethiopian Airlines committed to purchase 11 Boeing 737-8 MAX jets at the Dubai Airshow on Nov 17, 2025.

How will the 11 737-8 MAX order affect Ethiopian Airlines' network and hub?

The carrier said the 11-plane order will help grow its regional and international networks and expand the Addis Ababa hub.

Does Ethiopian Airlines already operate Boeing aircraft and hold a backlog?

Yes; the airline operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa and holds the continent's largest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X and 787 airplanes.

Where and when was the Boeing–Ethiopian 11-plane agreement signed?

The agreement for 11 737-8 airplanes was signed at the Dubai Airshow on Nov 17, 2025.

What did Boeing say about the order for Ethiopian Airlines (BA)?

Boeing said the order strengthens its nearly 80-year partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and supports the airline's growth across Africa and beyond.