Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for five Boeing 777-200LRs, worth an estimated US$1.3 billion at list prices making it the largest order of the year for Boeing. With the order, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian was the fi rst African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005.

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian said it will use the 777-200LR to fly to new long-haul nonstop markets such as Washington and Beijing. “Th e 777-200LR is the only airplane in the world that offers the range and efficiency Ethiopian needs to serve long-haul markets and further position Addis Ababa as a strategic hub for East Africa,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales for Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

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. “As one of the premier airlines in Africa and around the world, Ethiopian has long used Boeing airplanes as a tool for achieving its business goals,” Mounir said. “The strategic long-range feature of the 777-200LR will again help Ethiopian expand its network and will be a perfect complement to its 787s.”

“The Boeing 777 will be integral as we bring our business to the next level,” said Ethiopian Airlines CEO 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.