Ethiopian Airlines has exercised an option from a previous Boeing order and purchased 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX jets on day one of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
At a press conference on November 17, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew confirmed to AeroTime that the order was part of a previous agreement.
Under the new deal, Ethiopian Airlines will purchase 11 737-8 jets to help expand its regional and international networks and grow its Addis Ababa hub.
Tasew also stated that the airline was evaluating both Boeing and Airbus widebodies as part of a future order and single aisle Boeings.
“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said 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.”
At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Ethiopian Airlines placed an order with Boeing for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX aircraft, with opportunity for 36 more jets.
“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.
He added: “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.”
CDB Aviation leases Ethiopian Airlines two 737 MAX 8s
Additionally it was announced on November 17, 2025, that CDB Aviation would lease Ethiopian Airlines two Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
The two MAX aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026.
“On behalf of CDB Aviation, I am very proud to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to our global customer family, with the lease agreements executed for these two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered in 2026,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s CEO.
He added: “The African aviation market is primed for a rapid surge in growth, with a population that increasingly wants to fly, for business and pleasure. With continued investments fueling the growth of its fleet, Ethiopian is well positioned to increase connectivity across the continent, making travel more accessible.”
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