Ethiopian Airlines Group reinforced its fleet modernisation plan with cutting-edge engine technology by signing two historic agreements with GE Aerospace. The company announced on Sunday.
Ethiopian Airlines has increased the number of GEnx-powered Dreamliner aircraft from 19 to 30 with the agreements, which validate the airline’s choice to power 11 new Boeing 787 aircraft.
As a sign of its faith in next-generation aviation, the airline also confirmed its previous order for GE9X engines to power eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for six additional widebodies.
These twin agreements include long-term service contracts that cover maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for both GEnx and GE9X engines in addition to increasing Ethiopian Airlines’ investment in GE’s fuel-efficient engines.
The agreements represent a strengthening of the airline’s partnership with GE Aerospace, which dates back to 2003 and has lasted for two decades.
“Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
“These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.” he added.
GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services President & CEO, Russell Stokes, added, “We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, a valued partner for many years, and proud to support their mission to connect the world while advancing the future of sustainable aviation.”
Advantages of Ethiopian Airlines-GE Aerospace deal
Ethiopian Airlines now has one of the most sophisticated and fuel-efficient fleets on the continent, thanks to this agreement, which places it at the forefront of African aviation modernisation.
Only Boeing’s next-generation 777X family features the GE9X engine, the most potent commercial aircraft engine in the world. Its specific fuel consumption is 10 percent lower than that of its predecessor. Furthermore, it meets emissions standards that surpass current ones.
In the meantime, GE Aerospace’s best-selling high-thrust engine is the GEnx, which is already a mainstay in Ethiopia’s Dreamliner fleet. Since its launch in 2011, it has accumulated more than 62 million flight hours, and it currently powers two-thirds of all Boeing 787s worldwide. Both engine types are approved to run on blends of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is in line with international decarbonisation goals.
About Ethiopian Airlines
For almost eight decades, Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopia) has been a globally recognised success story, turning a visionary dream into a reality.
Ethiopian Airlines connects Africa and the rest of the world by operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.
Ethiopian uses cutting-edge aircraft, including Boeing 737s, 777s, and 787s; Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000; and De Havilland Q400, with a focus on passenger comfort and environmental sustainability.
Ethiopian Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, has won numerous prestigious awards, including the “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport” Award, the APEX “Best Overall in Africa” award, and Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa Award” for seven consecutive years.
Through a strategic plan called “Vision 2035”, Ethiopian hopes to surpass its current level of success and rank among the top 20 most competitive and prominent aviation groups globally.
Adopting a Pan-African mindset, Ethiopian is pursuing a multi-hub strategy with hubs in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Air Congo; Lilongwe, Malawi, with Malawi Airlines; Lusaka, Zambia, with Zambia Airways; and Lomé, Togo, with ASKY.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a leading provider of aerospace propulsion, services, and systems, with about 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines installed.
Building on over a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is dedicated to creating the future of flight, uplifting people, and safely returning them home. Its global workforce consists of about 53,000 employees.