Ethiopian Airlines signs agreements with GE Aerospace to power new widebody aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines Group and GE Aerospace signed an agreement confirming Ethiopian’s choice of the GEnx Engine to power 11 new Boeing 787s. This deal increases Ethiopian Airlines’ GEnx-powered fleet from 19 to 30 aircraft, further solidifying the airline’s position as a leader in modern aviation technology.  Ethiopian also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace reaffirming its previous order for GE9X engines to power eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The agreement includes options for six additional aircraft powered by GE9X engines.

The two deals also include a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to operational excellence and GE Aerospace’s dedication to supporting the airline’s growth and success.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew commented: “Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline. These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.”

GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes said: “We are honored 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."

These agreements mark another milestone in the decades-long partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and GE Aerospace that began in 2003. Ethiopian Airlines’ investment in GE Aerospace’s advanced engine technology reflects its commitment to delivering world-class service to passengers while prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency. 

The GE9X engine is the world's most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. Available only on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8 aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, with emissions that are a generation ahead in technology.

Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has accumulated over 62 million flight hours. It stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine to date, with more than 3,600 engines currently in service and backlog, including spare units.  Today, the GEnx engine powers two-thirds of all 787 aircraft currently in operation. Like all GE Aerospace commercial engines, both GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel blends today.