This order seemingly came out of nowhere…
In this post:
Ethiopian Airlines orders up to 20 Boeing 777-9s
Ethiopian Airlines has just placed an order for up to 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, including eight firm orders plus 12 options. For those not familiar with the 777-9, this is part of Boeing’s 777X family, which is the carrier’s updated version of the 777.
The Boeing 777-9 will be larger, more fuel efficient, and longer range, than existing variants of the 777. The catch is that the jet hasn’t yet been certified — it was initially supposed to start flying as of 2020, but entry into service has now been delayed into 2025. That’s very much a best case scenario timeline at the moment, given the increased scrutiny that Boeing is getting from regulators.
It’s not surprising that there’s no mention of a timeline for these aircraft being delivered. I imagine Ethiopian Airlines not only got a great deal on these aircraft, but got some pretty flexible terms, given that the airline is essentially ordering something that provides little certainty. At this point, Boeing can’t even pretend to know when these planes will be approved to fly.
Ethiopian Airlines is the first African airline to order the Boeing 777X. On top of that, this is the first “fresh” 777X order that we’ve seen in many years. Emirates recently topped up its 777X order, and the airline now has 205 of these aircraft on order. Emirates eventually intends to use the 777X to replace the Airbus A380, once those jets are retired.
Ethiopian Airlines’ varied fleet renewal strategy
Ethiopian Airlines has historically had a pretty inconsistent fleet, in terms of both aircraft variants and aircraft interiors. That’s largely because the airline has grown so quickly, so a large part of that growth strategy involved acquiring secondhand aircraft from other airlines.
The airline has made a lot of progress in modernizing its fleet, but still doesn’t have much in the way of fleet consistency. The airline currently flies the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-8, 787-9, 777-200LR, and 777-300ER.
The airline also recently placed a major aircraft order, picking up more Boeing 787-9s, as well as Airbus A350-900s and A350-1000s.
I understand that Ethiopian Airlines probably intends to use the 777-9s to eventually replace the 777-200LRs and 777-300ERs. However, you’d think the airline could have taken the opportunity to simplify its fleet, and focus either on the A350-1000 or 777-9.
In the long run, Ethiopian will probably have five modern wide body jets — the A350-900, A350-1000, 787-8, 787-9, and 777-9. That’s a lot of variety!
Bottom line
Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for up to 20 Boeing 777-9s, including eight firm orders and 12 options. This is a major development, as Ethiopian is the first new 777X customer that we’ve seen in many years. It’s anyone’s guess if/when these planes actually get delivered, given Boeing’s issues with getting this plane certified.
It’s cool to see the pace at which Ethiopian is refreshing its fleet, though I’m a bit puzzled by the carrier’s lack of desire for fleet commonality.
What do you make of Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 777X order?
The current chairman of the board of Ethiopian Airlines is a military General currently head of the Ethiopian Airforce. This individual along with Abiy Ahmed, the prime minster are personally responsible for the many drone attacks against Ethiopian civilians in the Amhara and Tigre regions that is resulting in the death and injuries of thousands of innocent children and women. This clearly amounts to war crimes. In addition the airline has been allegedly involved in...
The current chairman of the board of Ethiopian Airlines is a military General currently head of the Ethiopian Airforce. This individual along with Abiy Ahmed, the prime minster are personally responsible for the many drone attacks against Ethiopian civilians in the Amhara and Tigre regions that is resulting in the death and injuries of thousands of innocent children and women. This clearly amounts to war crimes. In addition the airline has been allegedly involved in the transport of the army to combat missions which clearly violates its mission of transport of civilians.
In summary, all decisions regarding the future of the airline is being directed from military people who have little knowledge of an airline business. The airline could easily go down out of business if and when competition is allowed. Already the airline is suffering from low employee morale, broken aircrafts and lack of passenger satisfaction.
Aint that the same fleet composition as Qatar Airways??
You are just commenting about their fleet with no details. Articles like this would be better if you used fact and logic with your explanation. Actually their varied fleet makes a lot of sense given the markets they serve in Africa. Consider their routing and some of the terrain and landing areas they serve.
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Carnak the magnificent says, "2041."
Question is: "When will Ethiopian Airways get delivery of its first 777X?"
I wonder if Ethiopian would consider Sydney or Melbourne as potential new destinations?
Would be a very welcome competitor in a sector where Qantas and SAA have a near monopoly.
“…given that the airline is essentially ordering something that provides little certainty”
With Boeing investing up to $5 billion in the 777X program, there is little UNcertainty that the planes will be produced…despite what the armchair analysts say.
Why be ridiculous? No one is saying that the planes won't be produced, but what they're saying in unison is that there's great uncertainty as to when airlines will finally be able to take delivery of them. They're not even fully sure down to the year, yet.
And no, that's not normal. But it's becoming somewhat typical, for not just Boeing, but other providers too. Though Boeing does seem to be the most potent offender.
Super news. Can't wait to see this plane in service.
Like I've been saying time and time again, it's just good to see new orders coming in (especially with Boeing and the 777X program) and airlines refreshing their fleet with new types especially with what has happened the last few years. Everybody wins! I can see Air China, Korean and even Turkish place some orders for the 777X down the line.
I also think Thai Airways is a possibility for routes to Europe. It seems the owners are trying to streamline the fleet from before, but I think they will be tempted by the 777X. And they could probably fill the seats on certain routes too.
I also think we'll see some orders with Air Canada, Air France, and maybe AA and UA way down the road when it's time to replace their current (and relatively...
I also think Thai Airways is a possibility for routes to Europe. It seems the owners are trying to streamline the fleet from before, but I think they will be tempted by the 777X. And they could probably fill the seats on certain routes too.
I also think we'll see some orders with Air Canada, Air France, and maybe AA and UA way down the road when it's time to replace their current (and relatively newer) 77Ws. Saudia is also likely at some point in time.
Qantas is also a possibility when it comes time to replace their A380s.
what?? seriously Air Canada wont be ordering ANY 777-9, its way to big for them. Also they just ordered more 787s.
AC is a bottom feeder airline that loves buying used junk. ( A330 and A321s)
Why not. It is easy for to get these planes that will be financed by the ExportImport Bank (AKA The Bank of Boeing). This is not an option for US Airlines.
If Boeing is able to get 777X off the ground within the next 2 years - and we can all agree there are doubts about that, but if - I actually think it actually has a lot greater potential that many seem to believe. I wouldn't be surprised to see hundreds of orders roll in as it starts flying.
Gladly for them there's a huge diference at Boeing nowadays between ordering and delivery...
I see all the reactions about the overlap for the a350-1000, but am I missing something or is the elevation of Ethiopians Hub a likely factor? Will the 777-9 be capable of reaching North Maerica without a refueling stop? To be able to get there with less weight restrictions?
The new airport in Bishoftu will likely be open by the time these get delivered (ie. not anytime soon) and that should permit nonstop services to North America as it is >2000ft lower than the current Bole airport.
Question Sean: will they be closing Bole?
Can't seem to find an answer for that in anything public.
Hope they don't make Montreal/Osaka/DC/Milan's mistake....
I had the same thought. The 777X might permit nonstop flights, especially with the power of the new engines. That also explains the order of 8 confirmed aircraft right now. That would likely replace its 77W fleet.
The new engines will be rated at less power than the old engines....
No real surprise, seeing as the 777X has a *much* larger and more advanced wing design.
That, and while the new airport site is lower than the current one, it'll still be at a higher elevation than Denver and Johannesburg. So there'll still be some hefty limitations, even for the most efficient of ULH aircraft.
I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for pointing it out. I heard that the new 777X engines are the most powerful ever produced, so I assumed that would mean a higher payload allowance and better performance than the current 777 engines. But I didn't consider the larger and heavier 777X design.
@W,
That engine produced the most amount of thrust in testing, but it won't be certified at those levels. It doesn't have to be, because as Concordboy said, the 777-X comes with a larger wing, so doesn't need as much thrust. Saves fuel and emissions by certifying it at a lower level than its max output. Also gives it a longer time on the wing, between overhauls, which airlines like Emirates really value.
Perhaps a merger of two equal giants is down the road, strategically. So much synergy and fleet consistency between TG and ET.
But does ET also have 3 different biz seats for A350? I think not.
"Perhaps a merger of two equal giants is down the road, strategically. So much synergy...
1. There's no such thing as a merger of equals.
2. Were I playing buzzword bingo, I would have won reading your comment.
BA
CX
LH
AI
Have all done the same. Commonality has some savings but it’s not the make a break of running an airline.
The 350-1000 and 777X are about 60 seats apart. Let’s stop being so one dimensional about fleet planning.
Because you were the buzzword “simplifying” by airline CEOs doesn’t make it a golden ticket
There’s space for both 35k and 779 in the ET fleet
ET is a significantly smaller airline.
again, it is there decision but there have been plenty of airlines that have taken a "one of this and one of that" strategy in fleet planning and leads to much more inefficiency than benefits.
but let's also acknowledge that ET is probably making this decision based on the need to keep the US and Europe happy
Not "significantly" smaller by any means.
Ethiopian is slightly larger than Air India and just 25 aircraft smaller than Cathay Pacific.
ET definitely spreads their orders around not to keep US/Europe happy but to ensure better access to export financing without overexposure.
They are a big airline. With a sizable 787 and 350 fleet. Adding a fleet of 20 777Xs doesn’t really add complexity given they already operate the 787 and the 777 of which parts are largely similar to the existing 777 or if not the 787. The pilot pool is the same and a pilot can fly the 787, 777 or 777X quite interchangeably.
So yes they COULD streamline but they’re not adding complexity....
They are a big airline. With a sizable 787 and 350 fleet. Adding a fleet of 20 777Xs doesn’t really add complexity given they already operate the 787 and the 777 of which parts are largely similar to the existing 777 or if not the 787. The pilot pool is the same and a pilot can fly the 787, 777 or 777X quite interchangeably.
So yes they COULD streamline but they’re not adding complexity. They are keeping the 787. 350 and 777 families all operational
Just like for example, KLM
they clearly have more money than strategy; an airline of their size ordering both the A350-1000 and B777X is insane. They aren't identical but the differences for an airline that size aren't really that much different.