Ethiopian Airlines Orders Five Boeing 777-200LRs

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered five Boeing 777-200LRs. In doing so, the airline becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian was also the first African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005.

The order is valued at $1.3 billion based on list price. General Electric GE90-115 engines power the 777-200LR.

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the airline is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its fleet and broaden its network. Ethiopian Airlines will use the 777-200LR to fly to new long-haul nonstop markets such as Washington, D.C. and Beijing.

Ethiopian Airlines is currently an all-Boeing operator. With the exception of the 747, it has operated every heritage Boeing commercial airplane since the 707.

"The Boeing 777 will be integral as we bring our business to the next level," said Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake. "Boeing has been an important and valued partner to Ethiopian for many, many years. This order reinforces the deep ties between our two companies."

Ethiopian currently operates a fleet of six 737s, nine 757s, 10 767s and one MD-11BCF, with a second MD-11BCF due to arrive in August. It has 10 787s on order.

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